MCAT Biology Question 34: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 34
4. The influence of a specific group of cells on the differentiation of another group of cells is called:
- A. competence.
- B. senescence.
- C. determination.
- D. induction.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
The influence of a specific group of cells on the differentiation of another group of cells is termed induction. For example, the eyes are formed through a constant back-and-forth of reciprocal development between the brain and the ectoderm. Competence refers to the ability of a cell to respond to a given inducer, but not the influence of the group of organizing cells, eliminating choice (A). Senescence is a term for biological aging, eliminating choice (B). Determination may be the result of induction, but this term does not refer to the general concept of the effect of one group of cells on the differentiation on another group of cells, eliminating choice (C).