Somatic cells account for all the cells of the body except reproductive cells. Other than gametes, stem cells and germs cells, all the cells of a multicellular organism are known as somatic cells.

Diploid somatic cells undergo mitosis and are responsible for growth, repair and regeneration.

Somatic Cells Meaning

Somatic terms originate from the word Soma, which means body. They make up the entire organism other than cells, which have a reproductive function or are undifferentiated, e.g. stem cells.

Somatic Cells Characteristics

Somatic Cells Types and Examples

There are numerous types of somatic cells. In our body, there are 220 types of somatic cells. Many cells are differentiated to perform various specific functions.

Some of the specialised somatic cells are:

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Somatic Cells: Meaning, Characteristics, Types and Examples