What is the Difference Between Somatic and Reproductive Cells

The main difference between somatic and reproductive cells is that somatic cells are diploid, whereas reproductive cells are haploid.

Somatic and reproductive cells are the two cell types that occur in the body. They have different functions of the body.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Somatic Cells
– Definition, Facts, Features
2. What are Reproductive Cells
– Definition, Facts, Features
3. Similarities Between Somatic and Reproductive Cells
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Somatic and Reproductive Cells
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Somatic and Reproductive Cells Bile
– Answers to frequently asked questions

Key Terms  

Reproductive Cells, Somatic Cells

What are Somatic Cells

Somatic cells are any type of biological cell, typically the regular type of body cells other than the reproductive cells. They are diploid cells. Also, they increase their number by mitosis. Therefore, they undergo asexual reproduction. However, some species contain haploid somatic cells. Haploid somatic cells can be found in species that develop alterations over generations.

Figure 1: Fat Cells 

Furthermore, somatic cells produce multicellular organisms. An adult human body may contain around three trillion somatic cells in the body. They are differentiated into form neuron cells, blood cells, muscle cells, liver cells, etc. Neurons come together to form the nervous system. Blood cells are a part of the cardiovascular system. Cells like liver cells and stomach cells are involved in the formation of the digestive system.

What are Reproductive Cells

Reproductive cells are haploid cells produced by meiosis. They are also called gametes. Sexual reproduction is the process of producing gametes. There are two types of gametes: male gametes and female gametes. Reproductive cells of opposite gametes fuse to form a zygote. Gametes are restricted to the reproductive organs of the multicellular organisms. They usually contain a single set of chromosomes and are called haploid. During sexual reproduction, gametes are produced by the meiosis of germ cells located in gonads.

Figure 2: Reproductive Cells 

Moreover, gametes are morphologically distinct depending on the sex. In humans, male gametes are known as sperms, and female gametes are known as ova. Since gametes are haploid, the fusion of two gametes of opposite sexes would regenerate the diploid zygote. Therefore, half of the total DNA is contributed by each parent to the offspring. After fertilization, the zygote contains two sets of homologous chromosomes, each coming from one parent. 

Similarities Between Somatic and Reproductive Cells

• Somatic and reproductive cells are the two types of cells that occur in the body.
• They have different functions of the body.
• Also, they undergo multiplication.

Difference Between Somatic and Reproductive Cells

Definition

Somatic cells refer to any cell of a living organism other than the reproductive cells. In contrast, reproductive cells refer to a spermatozoon or an ovum, a cell responsible for transmitting DNA to the next generation. 

Ploidy

Somatic cells are diploid, while reproductive cells are haploid.

Reproduction

Somatic cells undergo asexual reproduction, while reproductive cells undergo sexual reproduction. 

Cell Division

Somatic cells undergo mitosis, while reproductive cells undergo meiosis.

Differentiation

Somatic cells undergo differentiation, while reproductive cells do not undergo differentiation.

Formation of Structures

Somatic cells form structures like organs, while reproductive cells do not form structures.

Occurrence

Somatic cells occur in the body, while reproductive cells occur in reproductive organs.

FAQ: Somatic and Reproductive Cells

Is a reproductive cell a somatic cell?

Somatic cells and reproductive cells are the two cell types that occur in plants and animals. Gametes are another name for reproductive cells. Eggs and sperm cells are the two gamete types in humans and animals. Other cells in the animal body are somatic cells.   

What is the difference between somatic cell division and reproductive division?

Mitosis and meiosis are the two cell division types in the body. Mitosis is the non-reproductive cell division that occurs in somatic cells. In comparison, meiosis is the reproductive cell division in reproductive cells. 

What is the importance of somatic and reproductive cell division?

Somatic cell division forms diploid somatic cells. In comparison, reproductive cell division forms haploid reproductive cells.

Conclusion

In brief, somatic and reproductive cells are the two types of cells that occur in the body. Somatic cells are diploid. They undergo mitosis. Also, they undergo differentiation. Additionally, they form structures in the body. In comparison, reproductive cells are haploid, and they undergo meiosis. However, they do not form anatomical structures. Therefore, the main difference between somatic and reproductive cells is their ploidy.    

References:

1. (2022d, May 7). 7: Cell reproduction. Biology LibreTexts. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Blausen 0012 AdiposeTissue” By BruceBlaus – Own Work (CC-BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “A simplified representation of the essential steps in meisos” By Thompson & Thompson – Own Work (CC-BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia