Question

10-

Every cell in your body has the same genetic information. How is it then that there are so many different types
of cells in your body? The answer is that during different cell divisions only certain parts of the genetic
information is used, much like reading only some books in the library. As a result, your body produces different
cell types according to the genetic information that is "read" or translated for that particular cell.
In the scenario below, a cell has 11 genes in its DNA. Each gene initiates certain processes in the cell as shown
in the table below. Use these genes to draw what the cells would look like as it progresses through two
divisions. Note: If a gene is switched on, the cell follows the instruction for that gene.
Gene Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Instructions
Grow spikes (overrides gene 2)
Lose spikes
Grow by 20% in volume
Grow by 30% in volume
Keep single nucleus (overrides gene 6)
Divide nucleus in two to produce a cell with more than one nucleus
Grow 50% longer along y axis
Grow 50% longer along x axis
Remain as a singular cell (overrides gene 10 and 11)
Produce connections to join to parent cell
Grow microvilli along unattached border (only if gene 10 is on)
1. After a cell's first cell division, genes 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9 are switched on. Draw what this cell would
look like in Box 1 below.
2. After the second cell division, only genes 5, 8, and 9 are switched on. Draw what this cell would like in
Box 2 below.

Answer 1

Here is the step-by-step response illustrating the cell divisions with the given genetic instructions:

Box 1:

After the first cell division, genes 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9 are switched on. Gene 1 overrides gene 2 and causes the cell to grow spikes. Genes 3 and 4 cause the cell to grow in volume by 20% and 30% respectively. Gene 5 keeps a single nucleus. Gene 8 causes the cell to elongate by 50% along the x-axis. Gene 9 prevents further division into multiple cells.

[Drawing of a spiky cell with a single nucleus, elongated along the x-axis by 50% and grown in volume by 50%]

Box 2:

After the second cell division, only genes 5, 8, and 9 remain switched on. Gene 5 maintains a single nucleus. Gene 8 elongates the cell by 50% along the x-axis again. Gene 9 prevents further division.

[Drawing of an elongated cell with a single nucleus, grown by 100% along the x-axis compared to the original cell]

In summary, the selective expression of different genes during cell division allows for differentiation into varied cell types with unique structures and functions, despite containing the same genetic information. The provided instructions determine which features are expressed in each subsequent generation of divided cells.