Question

which statements accurately describe characteristics of germ cells and/or somatic cells? select all that apply.
cells that divide to form eggs are germ cells.
cells are considered germ cells if they divide to form any tissue or organ required for reproduction—such as flower parts, testes, ovaries, and mammary glands—even if they are not the actual cells that divide to form eggs or sperm.
germ cells undergo meiosis.
a fertilized egg is a germ cell.
cells that divide to form sperm are germ cells.
somatic cells undergo mitosis.

Explanation:

• Germ cells are the cells that give rise to gametes (eggs and sperm). So, cells that divide to form eggs (oogenesis) and cells that divide to form sperm (spermatogenesis) are germ cells.
• Germ cells undergo meiosis to produce haploid gametes.
• Somatic cells (body cells) undergo mitosis for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction (in some organisms).
• A fertilized egg (zygote) is a diploid cell formed by the fusion of gametes and is not a germ cell. Germ cells are specifically the cells that will form gametes. Also, germ cells are the ones that directly form gametes, not just any tissue related to reproduction (the second option is incorrect as per the strict definition of germ cells which are the progenitors of gametes).

Answer:

• Cells that divide to form eggs are germ cells.
• Germ cells undergo meiosis.
• Cells that divide to form sperm are germ cells.
• Somatic cells undergo mitosis.