Answer – Somatic cells are all the cells, excluding gametes, that make up an organism.
Explanation:
The bodies of all organisms are made up cells. Some may be unicellular, while others are multicellular.
These cells can be divided into two categories – somatic cells and gametes. The former category, somatic cells, encompasses cells that make up the organism and contribute to its various functions. However, somatic cells are not involved in the process of sexual reproduction (the function of gametes). Therefore, somatic cells are all cells except for gametes.
In humans, all somatic cells are diploid (containing two sets of chromosomes). Any mutation or abnormality in these cells has an impact on the individual, and may be passed on during cell division. However, somatic cell mutations cannot be passed on to the individual’s offspring.
