How do cells become specialized?
A. Genetically identical cells undergo differentiation to alter gene expression
B. Genetically identical cells undergo differentiation to make them genetically unique.
C. Mitosis creates specialized cells for different purposes.
D. Mitosis creates genetically unique cells that can do different tasks.
A. Genetically identical cells undergo differentiation to alter gene expression
The correct answer is A. Genetically identical cells undergo differentiation to alter gene expression.
The correct answer is A. Genetically identical cells undergo differentiation to alter gene expression.
To understand how cells become specialized, it is important to first recognize that all cells in an organism contain the same genetic information. However, during the development and growth of an organism, different cells take on distinct roles and functions.
This process is called cell differentiation. During cell differentiation, genetically identical cells undergo changes in gene expression. Gene expression refers to the activation or deactivation of specific genes within a cell. Each gene carries information for producing a specific protein or set of proteins.
The regulation of gene expression allows different cells to produce different proteins, which in turn enables them to perform specialized functions. For example, some cells might differentiate into muscle cells and begin expressing genes that produce muscle-specific proteins, while others might become nerve cells and express genes involved in neuronal function.
So, to summarize, genetically identical cells become specialized through the process of cell differentiation, in which changes in gene expression allow cells to acquire distinct functions and characteristics.