- In many different contexts of cell differentiation, two distinct cell populations emerge from a
uniform cell population. This process is referred to as lateral inhibition. Which one of the following must not be true about lateral inhibition?
(A) lateral inhibition results from morphogen action
(B) lateral inhibition requires direct cell cell contacts
(C) lateral inhibition requires reciprocal signaling between two neighbouring cells
(D) lateral inhibition is preceded by stochastic changes in gene expression in two neighbouring cells
(1) (D) (2) (A) and (D)
(3) (B) and (C) (4) (A)
What Must Not Be True About Lateral Inhibition
-
(A) Lateral inhibition results from morphogen action:
This is not true. Lateral inhibition is typically mediated by direct contact-dependent signaling, such as Delta-Notch pathways, rather than long-range morphogen gradients. -
(B) Lateral inhibition requires direct cell-cell contacts:
This is true. Lateral inhibition depends on interactions between neighboring cells via membrane-bound ligands and receptors. -
(C) Lateral inhibition requires reciprocal signaling between two neighboring cells:
This is true. Cells both send and receive inhibitory signals to achieve binary cell fate choices. -
(D) Lateral inhibition is preceded by stochastic changes in gene expression in two neighboring cells:
This is also true. Stochastic initial differences in gene expression can bias one cell toward a particular fate, which then inhibits the other via lateral inhibition signaling.
Summary
The statement that lateral inhibition results from morphogen action (A) must not be true. All other options describing requirement for direct contact, reciprocal signaling and stochastic gene expression are correct features of lateral inhibition.
Final Answer:
(2) (A) and (D) -
1 Comment
Kajal
November 18, 2025B,C and D