Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Practice Exam

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Which term describes any cell in multicellular organisms that is not a sperm or egg cell?

Somatic cell
Gamete
Sister chromatid
G protein

The correct answer is: Somatic cell

The term that describes any cell in multicellular organisms that is not a sperm or egg cell is "somatic cell." Somatic cells make up the majority of an organism's body and include all cells that form tissues, organs, and systems, excluding the reproductive cells known as gametes. Somatic cells are diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes—one set inherited from each parent. This is in contrast to gametes, which are haploid and contain only one set of chromosomes. Understanding this distinction is crucial in cell biology and genetics because it helps clarify the roles of different types of cells in reproduction and development. By focusing on the definition of somatic cells, it becomes clear that these cells are involved in the normal functioning and maintenance of the organism, while gametes are specifically involved in reproductive processes. This distinction underlines the diverse roles that cells play in the life of multicellular organisms.