Which term describes body cells that are not gametes?

Which term describes body cells that are not gametes?

• A. Gametes
• B. Germ Cells
• C. Nerve Cells
• D. Somatic Cells

Answer: (D)

Body cells that are not involved in reproduction are somatic cells. In multicellular organisms, reproduction relies on gametes (sperm and eggs) which are produced from germ cells. Germ cells form the reproductive lineage and give rise to gametes, while somatic cells make up the rest of the body's tissues and organs. Somatic cells divide by mitosis to grow and repair (and are typically diploid, containing two sets of chromosomes), whereas gametes are haploid. So, the general term for the non-reproductive body cells is somatic cells. Some specific examples, like nerve cells, are somatic, but the broad category described here is somatic cells.

Body cells that are not involved in reproduction are somatic cells. In multicellular organisms, reproduction relies on gametes (sperm and eggs) which are produced from germ cells. Germ cells form the reproductive lineage and give rise to gametes, while somatic cells make up the rest of the body's tissues and organs. Somatic cells divide by mitosis to grow and repair (and are typically diploid, containing two sets of chromosomes), whereas gametes are haploid. So, the general term for the non-reproductive body cells is somatic cells. Some specific examples, like nerve cells, are somatic, but the broad category described here is somatic cells.