[Campbell Biology P.434] Based on the description of Drosophila egg development in Figure 18... | Practice Question

Based on the description of Drosophila egg development in Figure 18.19b and the text, what is the primary role of nurse cells and follicle cells during the initial stages?

  • A: Nurse cells supply nutrients and mRNAs to the egg, while follicle cells surround both the egg and nurse cells.
  • B: Nurse cells primarily form the eggshell, and follicle cells are responsible for fertilization.
  • C: Both nurse cells and follicle cells are responsible for the embryonic segmentation.
  • D: Follicle cells provide positional information, and nurse cells develop into the embryo.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'The Drosophila egg develops in one of the female's ovaries, next to the nurse cells, which supply the egg with nutrients, mRNAs, and other substances needed for development. The egg and nurse cells are surrounded by follicle cells, which make the eggshell Figure 18.19b, top .' This directly supports option A.