Question

question 11 of 25
which two characteristics describe the somatic cells of an organism?
a. they are specialized to carry out specific functions.
b. they all contain identical dna.
c. they contain only the genes they need in order to function.
d. they all express the same set of genes.

Explanation:

Somatic cells are body cells. They differentiate to perform specific tasks (specialized), so A is correct. All somatic cells in an organism arise from a single - celled zygote through mitosis. Mitosis ensures that the DNA is replicated accurately, so all somatic cells have identical DNA, making B correct. C is wrong because all somatic cells contain the full genome (not just the genes they need). D is wrong because different somatic cells express different sets of genes (e.g., liver cells express liver - specific genes, and muscle cells express muscle - specific genes) based on their function.

Answer:

A. They are specialized to carry out specific functions.
B. They all contain identical DNA.