Question

Which of the following best describes how a blood cell and skin cell have the exact same DNA sequence and yet look different and perform different functions?

Answer 1

Answer:

This question is incomplete as it lacks options, however, it will be answered BROADLY so the it can be understood enough to select the correct answer.

Please find the explanation below

Explanation:

Cells perform different functions and look differently because of the process of CELL DIFFERENTIATION. All cells arise from a single stem cell, which then gradually differentiates into different types of cells with different functions, as they divide.

At the molecular level, these different types of cells contain the same DNA sequence as rightly stated in the question. However, they look and perform differently because some of the genes are turned on while the others are turned off via the process of GENE EXPRESSION.

Therefore, a blood cell and skin cell possess exactly the same DNA sequence but look different and perform different functions because of CELL DIFFERENTIATION in which some genes on the DNA sequence are expressed and others are repressed. For example, in the blood cell; the genes coding for certain proteins found in blood are expressed while every other gene is silenced or inhibited. This allows those cells to perform only blood-related functions.