Video Transcript
What specialized cells in humans
are produced by meiosis? (A) Neurons, (B) gametes, (C)
muscle cells, (D) skin cells, (E) epithelial cells.
Each of the cells presented in
these answer choices are specialized and have a specific function. Let’s go through each of them to
see which ones are produced by meiosis.
Neurons are specialized cells that
send and receive signals from the brain. These nerve cells are responsible
for our senses and motor functions, among other things. They are not produced by meiosis,
so answer choice (A) is incorrect.
The skin is our largest organ. Its primary purpose is to act as a
barrier and help in protecting us from the elements and from pathogens. Skin cells are not produced by
meiosis, so we can eliminate answer choice (D) as well.
Epithelial cells describe a wide
variety of cells. These can include the cells of the
epidermis, as well as the thin layer of cells that cover the exterior of organs. These cells are also not produced
by meiosis. So answer choice (E) can be
eliminated.
Muscle cells allow us to have
voluntary motor control, in addition to performing essential life functions, such as
heart contractions and digestive functions. There are many types of muscle
cells, but none are produced by meiosis. So answer choice (C) is
incorrect.
Meiosis is a process in which
diploid parent cells divide to form haploid gamete cells, such as the sperm and egg
cell. These gametes are used in sexual
reproduction. Therefore, the specialized cells
that are produced by meiosis is given by answer choice (B), gametes.
