Somatic cell

Somatic cell refers to any cell in a multicellular organism that is not a germ cell. These cells make up the majority of the body's tissues and organs, including the skin, muscles, and brain. Somatic cells are diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent.

Characteristics

Somatic cells are characterized by their role in the body. Unlike germ cells, which are used for reproduction, somatic cells contribute to the growth, maintenance, and repair of the body. They can be highly specialized, with different types of somatic cells performing different functions. For example, neurons are somatic cells that transmit nerve impulses, while epithelial cells form the body's protective layers.

Somatic cells undergo mitosis, a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus. This is in contrast to germ cells, which undergo meiosis to produce haploid gametes.

Somatic Cell Genetics

The study of somatic cell genetics involves understanding the structure, function, and behavior of chromosomes in these cells. This field has provided important insights into genetic diseases, cancer, and aging. For instance, mutations in somatic cells can lead to cancer, a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth.

Somatic Cell Therapy

Somatic cell therapy is a form of gene therapy that involves transferring genetic material into a patient's somatic cells to treat or prevent a disease. This approach has been used in attempts to treat conditions such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and certain types of cancer.

See Also

• Cell (biology)
• Germ cell
• Mitosis
• Meiosis
• Gene therapy