A mutation is more likely to affect a differentiated cell than a stem cell due to
A) skewed distribution of parental versus newly replicated DNA.
B) a conscious effort on the part of the individual.
C) lack of DNA replication in stem cells.
D) skewed distribution of stem and progenitor cells.
E) repair enzymes in stem cells that are not in differentiated cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Differentiated cells have undergone multiple rounds of DNA replication and thus have a higher chance of accumulating mutations compared to stem cells that undergo limited rounds of replication during self-renewal. Additionally, during DNA replication, there may be errors causing skewed distribution of parental versus newly replicated DNA in differentiated cells, leading to mutations.

A Mutation Is More Likely to Affect a Differentiated Cell