Which term refers to a body cell, or non-sex cell?

• A. Germ cell
• B. Stem cell
• C. Somatic cell
• D. Gamete

Answer: (C)

Distinguishing body (non-sex) cells from reproductive cells. A body cell is called a somatic cell. These cells make up tissues and organs and divide by mitosis to grow and repair the organism. They are typically diploid, carrying two sets of chromosomes, and are not used to form gametes. Germ cells, on the other hand, are the cells that give rise to gametes and are part of the reproductive lineage. Gametes themselves are the sex cells (sperm or egg) and are haploid. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can become various cell types, but the term somatic specifically refers to the non-reproductive body cells, which is what the question is asking about.