All cells in a living organisms share the same DNA but develop into different types of cells. What mechanism tells these cells which type of cell to become? How does it work?

Question

All cells in a living organisms share the same DNA but develop into different types of cells. What mechanism tells these cells which type of cell to become? How does it work?

In: Biology

Answer 1

One thing no one has really covered is how cells know what they should be.its not like they have a map with a big “you are here” sign that tells them, ooh, I’m a kidney cell.

It’s all down to ratios. Let’s say you have a cell named Bob. Bob is destined to be an elbow cell. Rob is bathed in stuff. Some of this stuff is concentrated, some is diffuse. The ratio between these concentrations is unique depending where the cell finds itself.

So Bob says, hmm, the mix of stuff I’m bathing in must mean I activate these bits of my DNA. I guess that makes me an elbow cell.