eli5 / if DNA codes for proteins, but each type of cell uses different proteins, how do the cells know which bits to use? Furthermore, how does that also translate to larger scale shapes in/on the organism? (Like the shape of my face, or the shape of a plants leaves)
In: 7
Stem cells, they have all info about how organs should be made and how everything looks like. They are basically like a program that can edit itself as its working.
We need a liver? Copy yourself and change in such a way to make a liver cell, rinse and repeat until ‘program’ comes to an end.
It’s too complex for ELI5 but yeah, basically EVERYTHING about you is written in your stem cells, which is why we can use them to recreate new organs. It has been done but it’s yet to be industrialized, its just too complex and expensive right now (and you also need to save those cells for each individual person. There are some treatments for specific genetic diseases that use stem cells so look into those as well for a bit more info)
Latest Answers