Question

at a point during a cells development, it begins to differentiate. how does differentiation occur?
a. a developing cells function is determined by the number of organelles that are contained in the cell.
b. the number of chromosomes in the cell is reduced by half, this action triggers the specialization of the cell.
c. certain genes are turned on and others are turned off, this action produces adult cells that are specialized.
d. as a cell matures, genes that are not necessary to its function are ejected out of the cell through active transport.

Explanation:

Cell differentiation occurs through gene - regulation. Genes are selectively expressed (turned on or off) to create specialized adult cells. The number of organelles doesn't determine cell function in terms of differentiation. Reducing chromosome number by half is related to meiosis, not typical cell - differentiation. Genes are not ejected from cells through active transport during normal cell development.

Answer:

C. Certain genes are turned on and others are turned off, this action produces adult cells that are specialized.