Somatic cells

Definition

Somatic cells are any cells in the body that are not involved in reproduction, making them the building blocks of tissues and organs. These cells contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, and are responsible for carrying out the functions necessary for growth, repair, and maintenance of the organism. Unlike germ cells, which give rise to gametes, somatic cells undergo mitosis to produce identical daughter cells for tissue growth and repair.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Somatic cells make up most of the body's tissues and organs, including skin, muscles, and internal organs.
2. Each somatic cell contains a full set of chromosomes, totaling 46 in humans, arranged in 23 pairs.
3. Mitosis is the primary method by which somatic cells divide, ensuring genetic consistency in tissue regeneration.
4. Unlike stem cells, somatic cells are typically specialized for specific functions and cannot differentiate into other cell types.
5. Abnormalities in somatic cell division can lead to diseases such as cancer, where uncontrolled growth occurs.

Review Questions

• How do somatic cells differ from germ cells in terms of structure and function?
  • Somatic cells differ from germ cells primarily in their structure and function. Somatic cells contain two sets of chromosomes and are responsible for forming the body's tissues and organs. In contrast, germ cells have only one set of chromosomes and give rise to gametes for reproduction. Additionally, somatic cells undergo mitosis for growth and repair, while germ cells undergo meiosis to produce genetically diverse gametes.
• Discuss the role of somatic cells in tissue repair and how this relates to mitosis.
  • Somatic cells play a crucial role in tissue repair by undergoing mitosis to produce new cells that replace damaged or lost ones. When tissue is injured, somatic cells near the injury site divide rapidly to form new cells that help restore the structure and function of the tissue. This process is vital for healing wounds and regenerating tissues after injury, highlighting the importance of somatic cell division in maintaining overall health.
• Evaluate the implications of manipulating somatic cells in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy.
  • Manipulating somatic cells has significant implications for regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy. By reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, researchers can generate versatile cells that mimic embryonic stem cells' ability to differentiate into various cell types. This approach opens up possibilities for treating degenerative diseases and injuries by providing a source of healthy, functional cells tailored to the patient's needs. However, ethical concerns and potential risks associated with manipulating these cells must be carefully considered as the field advances.

Related terms

Mitosis: The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.

Stem cells: Undifferentiated cells capable of giving rise to various cell types; they play a crucial role in development and tissue repair.

Germ cells: Reproductive cells that give rise to gametes (sperm and eggs), which carry only one set of chromosomes.