Somatic cell

A somatic cell is any cell of an organism other than a reproductive germ cell. Most human somatic cells are diploid, carrying two chromosome sets.

Germ cell: A cell in the reproductive lineage that gives rise to gametes. Somatic cells are distinguished from cells that contribute to reproduction.
Cell cycle: The ordered sequence of growth, DNA replication, and division through which a cell reproduces. It governs when a somatic cell grows, copies its DNA, or divides.
Somatic cell nuclear transfer: A technique that places a somatic-cell nucleus into an egg cell whose nucleus has been removed. It tests whether a differentiated somatic nucleus can direct development.
Somatic mosaicism: The presence within one organism of cell populations with different genetic variants arising after fertilization. Mutations in somatic lineages can leave genetically distinct cell populations in one body.
Diploid: A cell or nucleus with two chromosome sets, one inherited from each parent. Most human somatic cells carry two chromosome sets.
DNA replication: The molecular process by which a cell copies its DNA before division. A dividing somatic cell must duplicate its genome before mitosis.
Induced pluripotent stem cell: A pluripotent stem cell created by reprogramming a differentiated cell, commonly with defined transcription factors. It can be made by resetting the identity of an adult somatic cell.
Tumor suppressor gene: A gene whose normal activity restrains cell growth, promotes DNA repair, or helps eliminate damaged cells. Somatic disruption of these genes can remove safeguards against tumor formation.
Mitosis: The process by which a eukaryotic cell divides its nucleus into two genetically similar nuclei. Somatic cells commonly divide through this nuclear-division process.
Apoptosis: A regulated process of cell death that removes cells without uncontrolled tissue disruption. It eliminates damaged or unneeded somatic cells.

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