Question

A cell can be declared dead, when it_______.

• A. Loses its capacity to divide but otherwise physiologically active due to intact nucleus
• B. Has lost its cytoplasm
• C. Is metabolically dead
• D. Both B and C

Answer 1

The correct option is D Both B and C

The various living components of a cell are cytoplasm and cell organelles like chloroplast, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria etc. While metabolic by-products are considered to be non-living components.

Thus, by losing its cytoplasm, a cell is dead, as all its organelles will also be lost. Losing all organelles will result in no metabolic activity, causing the cell to automatically die.

Hence, the correct answer is option D.