If you experimentally delete one somite from the right side of a developing chick embryo, which of the following will likely be affected in the chick when it hatches?
A) Left region of the brain
B) Peripheral nerves in one region on the right side
C) Notochord in the region of the deleted somite
D) Muscles and ribs in one region on the left side
E) Right chambers of the heart

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Somites are segmented structures in vertebrate embryos that give rise to important structures such as vertebrae, rib cage, and part of the dermis of the skin. Deleting one somite would directly affect the development of structures that are derived from that somite, such as peripheral nerves, muscles, and skeletal structures on the same side of the deletion. Peripheral nerves in the region corresponding to the deleted somite on the right side would likely be affected because somites contribute to the formation of the peripheral nervous system components in their respective regions.

If You Experimentally Delete One Somite from the Right Side