Question

a class uses microscopes to study three types of cells produced in people: fat, nerve, and muscle cells. the class records its observations in table 1.
table 1: appearance and function of three cell types

cell type	appearance	function
nerve	long with branches	sends electrical signals
muscle	long with no branches	helps with movement

the class knows that cells within a person’s body contain chromosomes inherited from the person’s parents. the class wonders how these cell types can be so different when their chromosomes come from the same source.
answering which question would best help the class explain why the cell types are so different?
a. does each cell type contain the same set of chromosomes?
b. do the chromosomes in each cell type contain the same set of genes?
c. do the same genes get translated into proteins in each cell type?
d. do the chromosomes in each cell type contain the same sequence of nucleotides?

Explanation:

Cell differentiation (different cell types from same genetic source) is due to gene expression (which genes are translated into proteins). Option A: Same chromosomes (known, so not helpful). Option B: Same genes (most cells have same genes, not key). Option D: Same nucleotide sequence (same genes, not key). Option C asks about gene translation (protein synthesis), which drives cell function/appearance differences.

Answer:

C. Do the same genes get translated into proteins in each cell type?