"I'm very important," says Nathan."I direct the growth of cells in the brain,and I secrete chemicals to repair damaged cells." Kate says,"Well,I'm special too.I receive messages from thousands of other cells,and my axon can conduct action potentials." Nathan is a ____ and Kate is a ____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nathan is describing the functions of a glial cell, specifically an astrocyte, which directs the growth of cells in the brain and secretes chemicals to repair damaged cells. Kate is describing the functions of a neuron, specifically a neuron with an axon that can conduct action potentials and receives messages from other cells. Therefore, Nathan is a glial cell and Kate is a neuron. Choice A is incorrect because both Nathan and Kate are not dendrites but rather two different types of cells. Choice B and D are also incorrect because neither Nathan nor Kate are mitochondria, which are responsible for producing energy in cells.

"I'm Very Important," Says Nathan