What is the role of somatic cells in an organism?

Somatic cells play a crucial role in forming the body's tissues and organs. These cells are non-reproductive and make up most of an organism's structure, including muscles, skin, bones, and internal organs. They are responsible for the growth, maintenance, and repair of body tissues throughout an individual’s life.

In the context of an organism's biology, somatic cells undergo mitosis, a process that allows them to divide and proliferate, contributing to the development and maintenance of tissues. Unlike germ cells, which are involved in reproduction and give rise to gametes (sperm and eggs), somatic cells are not involved in the reproductive process. Therefore, their primary function is to maintain the organism's body rather than participate in sexual reproduction or germ line formation.

Photosynthesis is a process carried out by specific cells in plants, like chloroplasts, and is not a function of somatic cells in animals. Hence, the correct role of somatic cells is accurately reflected in the answer that highlights their function in composing the body's various tissues and organs.