[Campbell Biology P.431] Based on the provided text, which of the following statements accur... | Practice Question
Based on the provided text, which of the following statements accurately distinguishes between cytoplasmic determinants and inductive signals as sources of developmental information?
A: Cytoplasmic determinants are unevenly distributed maternal substances within the egg, influencing cell fate from within, whereas inductive signals involve molecules released by nearby cells that alter gene expression in recipient cells.
B: Cytoplasmic determinants primarily regulate morphogenesis, while inductive signals are solely responsible for initiating cell differentiation.
C: Inductive signals are present in the unfertilized egg, and cytoplasmic determinants are released by neighboring cells in a developing embryo.
D: Both cytoplasmic determinants and inductive signals are homogeneous in distribution, ensuring uniform development across all embryonic cells.
Explanation
The text clearly distinguishes between cytoplasmic determinants as 'maternal substances in the egg... unevenly distributed' that influence cell fate by regulating gene expression, and inductive signals where 'Cells in the lowest tier of cells are releasing molecules that signal induce nearby cells to change their gene expression.' Option A accurately captures these key distinctions.