Which of the following cells, or cell types, has the GREATEST developmental potential?
A)fertilized egg
B)inner cell mass
C)gastrula
D)ectoderm
E)nerve cell

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fertilized egg, or zygote, has the greatest developmental potential because it has the ability to differentiate into all the different cell types in the body, including the placenta. This is due to the fact that it contains all the genetic information needed to form a complete organism. The other choices listed have more limited developmental potential. The inner cell mass can differentiate into the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm), but cannot form extraembryonic tissues like the placenta. The gastrula stage represents the beginning of germ layer formation and is more limited than the fertilized egg. The ectoderm can differentiate into a variety of tissues, but not as many as the fertilized egg. The nerve cell, or neuron, has a very limited potential for differentiation and is specialized for its specific function in the nervous system.

Which of the Following Cells, or Cell Types, Has the GREATEST