Correct option is C
Explanation-
Induction is an extrinsic signaling process during development, where one group of cells (inducers) influences the fate of another group (responders). This communication typically involves secreted signaling molecules, receptor activation, and signal transduction pathways.
Statement A: The inductive signal can be a protein secreted from the inducing cells that binds to receptors of a responding cell - CORRECT
This is a classic definition of paracrine signaling in induction. Signaling proteins (like FGFs, BMPs, Wnts, Hedgehogs) are secreted by inducing cells. These ligands bind to specific receptors on nearby competent cells to elicit a developmental response.
Statement B: Response to inductive signals depends on competence of the inducing cell - INCORRECT
This confuses the terminology. The correct concept - Response depends on the competence of the responding cell, not the inducing cell. Competence means the ability of a cell to receive and correctly respond to a signal (due to presence of receptors and downstream machinery). The inducing cell must produce the signal, but competence is a property of the target cell.
Statement C: Instructive induction occurs when the responding cell is already committed to a certain fate - INCORRECT
This statement is backwards. Instructive induction provides specific information that guides the fate of a not-yet-committed responding cell. If a cell is already committed, the signal is likely permissive, not instructive.
Statement D: Lateral inhibition is an induction that results in differentiation of individual cells in a regularly spaced pattern - CORRECT
Lateral inhibition is a special type of juxtacrine signaling. One cell adopts a certain fate (e.g., becoming a neuron) and inhibits neighboring cells from doing the same, often via Notch-Delta signaling. This results in a pattern (e.g., single neuron surrounded by non-neurons) — a hallmark of regularly spaced cell fate decisions.
Final Conclusion:
Correct statements: A and D (Option c)
