Which of the following would constitute evidence that differentiated cells retain all the genes of developing cells?
A) Differentiated cells lose their polarity if removed from the organism.
B) Developing cells have many mRNA transcripts that can hybridize with DNA from mature cells.
C) Nuclei from mature cells can direct the development of an entire individual.
D) Differentiated cells generally synthesize a specific group of proteins.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that nuclei from mature, differentiated cells can direct the development of an entire individual provides strong evidence that the differentiated cells retain all the genes of developing cells. This is demonstrated by experiments where nuclei from differentiated cells are transplanted into an enucleated egg, and the resulting organism develops normally. This shows that the differentiated nucleus contains all the genetic information needed to generate an entire organism, indicating that the differentiated cells must retain all the genes of developing cells. Choice A is incorrect because the loss of polarity is not necessarily related to gene retention. Choice B is incorrect because the hybridization of mRNA with DNA does not necessarily demonstrate that all genes are retained. Choice D is incorrect because the synthesis of specific groups of proteins is related to the differentiation of cells and does not necessarily indicate that all genes are retained.

Which of the Following Would Constitute Evidence That Differentiated Cells