Question

multiple choice question
in order to survive, grow, and reproduce, a cell must ______.

○ exchange information with other cells
○ absorb organic molecules from its environment
○ exchange materials and information with its environment
○ have internal membranes
○ have a nucleus

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• "exchange information with other cells": Cells don't necessarily need to exchange info with other cells (e.g., single - celled organisms can survive alone), so this is incorrect.
• "absorb organic molecules from its environment": Some cells can make their own organic molecules (like autotrophic cells), so this is too limited.
• "exchange materials and information with its environment": For survival, growth, and reproduction, a cell needs to take in nutrients (material exchange) and respond to environmental cues (information exchange). This is a fundamental requirement.
• "have internal membranes": Prokaryotic cells (e.g., bacteria) don't have complex internal membranes but can still survive, so this is not a must.
• "have a nucleus": Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus but can survive, grow, and reproduce, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. exchange materials and information with its environment