Question

The cells within an organism contain the same DNA. However, many of the cells within an organism have different functions. For example, a kidney cell has a much different function than an eye cell. What causes cells to have different functions despite having the same DNA?

Answer 1

Different cells are turned on in different cells

Step-by-step explanation:

All cells in an organism have the same DNA, yet can have very different functions. This is because different genes are turned on in different cells. Cells regulate which genes are turned on and off. Genes that are turned on are expressed, while genes that are turned off are repressed and are not expressed.

Answer 2

Most living things are composed of different kinds of cells specialized to perform different functions.

Step-by-step explanation:

This is because all of the cells in our bodies start from a single fertilized egg. As cells divide and grow different genes are expressed, resulting in different cell types. Cells differentiate because specific enzymes turn genes on and off in various cell types. Most living things are composed of different kinds of cells specialized to perform different functions.