Which of the following describes a key characteristic of somatic cells?

Somatic cells are characterized by containing a complete set of chromosomes, which means they have the full diploid number of chromosomes required for the organism’s species. This is distinct from gametes (reproductive cells), which only have half the number of chromosomes (haploid) needed to form a zygote when they fuse during fertilization. Somatic cells include all body cells that are not sperm or egg cells and participate in the growth, development, and maintenance of tissues and organs. This property of having a full set of genetic material allows somatic cells to undergo mitosis, facilitating tissue repair and growth.

The other options describe conditions that do not align with the fundamental nature of somatic cells. Some may involve the processes of cloning or reproduction, but these do not pertain to the general definition and role of somatic cells in the body.