cell obsolete somatic cell 2010-09-24T09:44:42Z true https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0002371 Somatic cells represent the majority of the cell types in the human body. They are fundamental building blocks of organs, tissues, and other bodily structures, with every organ being composed of distinct subpopulations of these cells. The primary function of somatic cells is to maintain the function and survival of an organism. They carry significant information in the form of DNA, and through the process of mitosis, contribute to the repair and regeneration of body tissues. Further, some types of somatic cells work in a collaborative manner to form complex functional structures such as the skin and lining of the gut, demonstrating a higher level of organization. However, it's important to note that somatic cells are distinct from germ cells, which are responsible for sexual reproduction by forming sperm or eggs. Any alterations in the DNA of somatic cells, due to mutations, will not affect the offspring as they aren't involved in transmission of genetic information to the next generation. While most somatic cells contain two copies of each chromosome (diploid), a certain subset may possess a single set of chromosomes (haploid), specifically found in male ants, bees, and other hymenopterans. Hence, diversity is a defining characteristic of somatic cells, reflecting in their structures, roles, and genetic makeup. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) OBSOLETE. A cell of an organism that does not pass on its genetic material to the organism's offspring (i.e. a non-germ line cell). FMA:72300 BTO:0001268 WBbt:0008378