Question

How can cells from the same organism have such different shapes and functions?

Answer 1

Because cells are not only characterized by by their genetic material and other interior components, but also by the genes they express. Cells have to fulfill multiple different functions to be able to build complex multicellular organisms. Differently expressed genes lead to different proteins made in the cell, which leads to different morphology, shape or function. For example melanocytes in the skin are highly specialized cells which mostly make the pigment melanin. Plasma cells on the other are highly specialised for making antibodies.

Answer 2

As each cell differentiates, the DNA changes so that each type of cell has different DNA once it reaches maturity. B Mutations in the cells' nuclei lead to new combinations of DNA, resulting in different shapes and functions in the different types of cells.

Step-by-step explanation: