Which of the following statements is true regarding cell growth?

Step 1: Analyze the question We need the one statement that is true about cell growth. The key is to separate cell growth (a cell getting bigger) from cell division (one cell making new cells).

Step 2: Explain the concept

• Cell growth is an increase in the size of a cell. As the cell grows, it takes in nutrients, makes proteins and other materials, and increases its cytoplasm and the number of its organelles (mitochondria, ribosomes, etc.).
• Cell division (mitosis or meiosis) increases the number of cells. It is related to growth of an organism, but it is not the same thing as a single cell growing.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Solely influenced by external factors. False. Growth depends on both external factors (nutrients, temperature, oxygen) and internal factors (genes, hormones, the surface area to volume ratio). The word "solely" makes it wrong.
• B. Continuous throughout the life of a cell. False. A cell grows mainly during the growth phase (G1 and G2 of interphase). Mature, specialised cells often stop growing, and a cell is limited in size by its surface area to volume ratio.
• C. Involves an increase in the number of organelles within a cell. True. For a cell to increase in size, its cytoplasm expands and it produces more organelles to support the larger volume. This happens during interphase, before division.
• D. Occurs by cell division. False as a statement about cell growth. Cell division increases cell number, not the size of an individual cell. (This is a common confusion: growth of an organism involves division, but growth of a cell does not.)

Step 4: Answer Option C is correct.

Tip: Remember the distinction: growth = bigger cell, division = more cells. When an option uses absolute words like "solely" or "throughout the life," be suspicious. These are often traps in JAMB questions.