Question

Which normal cell characteristic is represented by the production of insulin in the beta cells of the pancreas? Select one: a. Conservation of energy b. Performance of a differentiated function c. Ability to undergo apoptosis on schedule d. Tight regulation of cell division

Answer 1

The production of insulin by beta cells in the pancreas represents the performance of a differentiated function, crucial for the regulation of blood glucose levels in the body.

Step-by-step explanation:

The production of insulin in the beta cells of the pancreas represents the performance of a differentiated function. Beta cells are specialized to detect increases in blood glucose levels and respond by secreting insulin, which facilitates the uptake of glucose into the body's cells, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. This process exemplifies how specialized cells in multicellular organisms carry out specific tasks related to their specialized structure and function.

Blood glucose regulation is critically important for the body, and it is primarily the responsibility of the beta cells in the pancreatic islets or the islets of Langerhans to maintain it within the normal range. The proper functioning of these cells is crucial for overall health, and disruption in their ability to produce insulin can lead to conditions like diabetes mellitus.

Answer 2

Insulin is produced by beta cells of the pancreas for storing and disposing of the glucose in various parts of the body like liver. This activity is a differentiated function of the beta cells of pancreas only. Although gene for insulin production is present in all cells, it is expressed only in the beta cells. Hence, it is a differentiated function.