Finite cell lines are characterized by which property?

Finite cell lines are characterized by which property?

• A. Divide a limited number of times
• B. Differentiate into multiple cell types
• C. Divide indefinitely
• D. Require no nutrients

Answer: (A)

Finite cell lines have a limited proliferative lifespan because each time a cell divides, telomeres shorten until the cells enter senescence and stop dividing. This replication limit, known as a Hayflick limit, means they can only divide a finite number of times in culture. That’s why the defining property is dividing a limited number of times. In contrast, cells that divide indefinitely are immortalized lines that bypass this limit, so they don’t fit the description of finite lines. Cells still require nutrients and growth factors to grow, so the idea that they require no nutrients isn’t correct. Differentiation into multiple cell types isn’t what sets finite lines apart; that capability is more associated with stem cells and specific experimental contexts, not the basic definition of finite versus infinite replication.

Finite cell lines have a limited proliferative lifespan because each time a cell divides, telomeres shorten until the cells enter senescence and stop dividing. This replication limit, known as a Hayflick limit, means they can only divide a finite number of times in culture. That’s why the defining property is dividing a limited number of times. In contrast, cells that divide indefinitely are immortalized lines that bypass this limit, so they don’t fit the description of finite lines. Cells still require nutrients and growth factors to grow, so the idea that they require no nutrients isn’t correct. Differentiation into multiple cell types isn’t what sets finite lines apart; that capability is more associated with stem cells and specific experimental contexts, not the basic definition of finite versus infinite replication.