Final answer:
The correct answers to the student's questions are B) identification of cell types requires experimental verification beyond genomic analysis, C) significant research progress has been made but complete identification of cell types through genomics is not yet possible, and D) the study of cells becoming different types is known as Cellular Differentiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the identification of cell types and their transcriptomes, option B is correct: No, the identification of cell types relies on differential gene expression, which necessitates experimental verification. Genomics provides a blueprint but does not capture dynamic expression patterns across different cell types.
In terms of how close we are to achieving genomic-based identification, the correct answer is C: Significant progress has been made, but complete identification is still a distant prospect, with active research continuing in this area. Whole genome methods have enhanced our understanding of the molecular basis of cellular functions and specialization, yet this is an evolving field.
The research area related to how cells become different types is known as D: Cellular Differentiation. This encompasses the highly dynamic process in which cells develop from unspecialized to specialized forms, heavily directed by gene expression patterns and transcription factors.