Question

as cells are pushed from the deeper portion of the epidermis toward the surface,
a they divide continually
b they die
c they become dermal cells
d their supply of nutrients improves

Explanation:

• Option A: Cells in the deeper epidermis (like stratum basale) divide, but as they move up, they stop dividing. So this is incorrect.
• Option B: As cells are pushed from the deeper epidermis (where there is a blood - supply for nutrients) towards the surface, they move away from the nutrient source (dermis has blood vessels, epidermis is avascular). Lack of nutrients leads to cell death. This is correct.
• Option C: Epidermal cells do not become dermal cells. Epidermis and dermis are distinct layers. So this is incorrect.
• Option D: As cells move from deeper (closer to dermis with blood supply) to surface of epidermis (avascular), nutrient supply gets worse, not better. So this is incorrect.

Answer:

B. they die