Question

Which of the following cells stop dividing after birth?
A) Neuron
B) Glial
C) Epithelium
D) Liver

Answer 1

Cells are the fundamental unit of life. They are in a continuous process of cell division. When a cell dies or is damaged, it is replaced by a new cell.

Complete answer:
Let us look into the given options to get the correct answer:
A) Neuron- Neurons are the specialised cells constituting the basic working unit of the brain. Unlike other cells in the body, neurons do not undergo cell division. Instead, neural stem cells form neurons by differentiating into neuroblast cells which migrate and form neurons.
B) Glial- Glial cells constitute 90% of the cells in our brain and are classified as astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia. Glial cells can undergo mitosis, hence, they have the capacity to divide.
C) Epithelium- Epithelium is the thin protective layer of cells that acts as a barrier between body and environment. During development and throughout life epithelial cells are in a state of constant cell division as epithelium grows continuously and regenerates.
D) Liver- liver is the largest organ in our body which helps on the digestion of fats, store energy and remove poisons. The liver is composed of hepatocytes and other non-parenchymal cells. These cells are capable of undergoing cell division by mitosis.

Thus, the correct answer is option ‘A’ i.e, Neurons.

Note: There are two ways of cell division-
i) Mitosis- is an equational division in which two identical daughter cells are produced. It occurs in most cells for growth and regeneration.
ii) Meiosis- is a reductional division in which four haploid daughter cells are produced. It occurs in sex cells to produce haploid gametes.