Question

question 12
in what way does a human somatic cell differ from a human gamete?
○ somatic cells differentiate into at least 220 cell types, whereas there are only two types of gametes.
○ somatic cells are haploid (n), whereas gametes are diploid (2n).
○ somatic cells are created by meiosis, whereas gametes are created by mitosis.
○ somatic cells can spontaneously change into gametes, but gametes must remain gametes.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option 1: Human somatic cells (body cells) can differentiate into around 220 cell types (like muscle, nerve, etc.). Gametes are sperm (male) and egg (female), so 2 types. This matches known cell biology.
• Analyze Option 2: Somatic cells are diploid (2n, 46 chromosomes), gametes are haploid (n, 23 chromosomes). So this statement is reversed, incorrect.
• Analyze Option 3: Somatic cells are produced by mitosis (cell division for growth/repair). Gametes are produced by meiosis (reduces chromosome number). This statement is reversed, incorrect.
• Analyze Option 4: Somatic cells do not spontaneously become gametes. Gametes are formed via meiosis, and somatic cells don’t convert to gametes spontaneously. This is incorrect.

Answer:

A. Somatic cells differentiate into at least 220 cell types, whereas there are only two types of gametes.