why are the structures of some cells in the body different from, one another

Question

why are the structures of some cells in the body different from one another

Answer 1

Hi, Irysha,

 

I think you have been given a thorough explanation of differentiation, but if you need a one-liner, try thinking on this:

Differential gene expression leads to differences in structure and function of cells, which can form tissues and organs.

Edit: I didn't notice the date! Oops! I'll leave my answer, in case it helps someone else, though.

Answer 2

The organelles of different cells will all be the same. What are the organelles of a cell.
Nucleus (DNA/nucleolus), Golgi Apparatus, Cell Membrane, Rough and Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum, Lysosomes, Vacuoles, Vescicles etc. These subcellular structures will function the same in different cells. For example a Mitochondria will continue to make ATP in all cells but will not change its function because it is in a different type of cell. 

 

However a muscle cell will contain more Mitochondria because the need for energy to make the muscles work will increase.

 

A liver cell will carry a Nucleus because it depends on proteins  for its function. On the other hand an Erythrocyte loses it nucleus and its function changes to Major (gas exchange O2/CO2).

 

Your question is critically important as the National Board Examination for Advance Placement Biology has asked the same question. The student is asked to guess which type of cell would contain high numbers of mitochondria and is found to be in Telophase (What is that?-MITOSIS) frequently. You are given the choices of a) Chondrocyte b) Astrocyte c) Pancreatic beta cell d) Skin cell or e) Hepatocyte. Look each cell type up and try to understand why the Board question and your question is important. Your question is not a run of the mill question it requires critical thinking, logic and reasoning! Thank you for asking.

Answer 3

Hi Irysha,

 

Body cells in different organs and tissues are derived from different progenitor cells that are specific for that tissue type. In the developing vertebrate embryo, there are three basic germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm that differentiate into various body parts. For instance, ectoderm forms skin and nervous system whereas mesoderm forms skeletal muscle and heart. Undifferentiated cells give rise to lineage committed cells or progenitor cells, they have the molecular cues that guide them to differntiate in a  specific lineage necessary for tissue/organ formation. Different tissues and organs have different functions, cells know their future fate and based on that they differentiate into specific cell types that differs from one another based on their function and position in the body.

 

Hope this helps,