Subtopic: Fundamentals of Cell structure and signaling
Question Statement:
During normal embryonic development of the mice paw, elimination of cells from
the inter-digital space is due to ________.
Options:
(A) apoptosis
(B) meiosis
(C) mutagenesis
(D) necrosis
Official Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Concept Analysis (GATE BT 2024 Q.19)**
**1. Governing Concept**:
- **Topic**: Developmental Biology & Programmed Cell Death
- During mammalian digit individualization (e.g., mouse paw or human hand development), the interdigital web tissue is sculpted and eliminated by **apoptosis** (programmed cell death), regulated by BMP signaling and caspase cascades.
**2. Option Analysis**:
- **Option (A) [apoptosis] is CORRECT**: Morphogenetic programmed cell death is the canonical mechanism eliminating interdigital tissue without inflammation.
- **Option (B) [meiosis] is INCORRECT**: Meiosis is reductive cell division for gametogenesis.
- **Option (C) [mutagenesis] is INCORRECT**: Refers to alterations in the DNA sequence.
- **Option (D) [necrosis] is INCORRECT**: Unprogrammed, pathological cell death resulting from acute trauma and accompanied by lysis and inflammation.
**3. Final Answer**:
- **Correct Choice**: **A**
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