Why do cells need to be different in shapes and sizes? Can you give examples?
Why do cells need to be different in shapes and sizes? Can you give examples?
Cells are of different shapes, sizes, and structures according to the function they need to perform
Because cells are not only characterized 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 that mostly make the pigment melanin. Plasma cells on the other are highly specialized for making antibodies.
It is all about the regulation of genes. The RNA doesn't know or transcribe anything - the DNA is transcribed into the mRNA (which is then further processed) and finally translated into proteins. Cells develop from precursors which proliferate and finally differentiate into highly specific cells. This progress is controlled and activated by specific transcription factors and growth factors. For example, pigment cells only develop, when a specific transcription factor is present. When this factor cannot be expressed, these cells do not develop at all.
Your cells come in all shapes and sizes. Different types of cells make different proteins according to the jobs they have to do. For example, only red blood cells contain the protein hemoglobin which carries oxygen around your body. Similarly, only cells in your eyes make proteins for detecting light. As well as these 'specialized' proteins, almost all your cells share a common set of 'housekeeping' proteins.
cells are different sizes because of how their cytoskeletons are arranged (actin, microtubules, microfilaments)
that act as a framework for the organelles of the cell to rest on
cells are different shapes for their specific functions, red blood cells are shaped like a doughnut to carry more hemoglobin, and to fit through small spaces, the epithelia of your gut have many small finger-like extensions to increase surface area to absorb the nutrients from digestion, and your neurons are long and skinny to span wide places to send signals around your body
Cells are of different shapes, sizes, and structures according to the function they need to perform
Because cells are not only characterized 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 that mostly make the pigment melanin. Plasma cells on the other are highly specialized for making antibodies.
It is all about the regulation of genes. The RNA doesn't know or transcribe anything - the DNA is transcribed into the mRNA (which is then further processed) and finally translated into proteins. Cells develop from precursors which proliferate and finally differentiate into highly specific cells. This progress is controlled and activated by specific transcription factors and growth factors. For example, pigment cells only develop, when a specific transcription factor is present. When this factor cannot be expressed, these cells do not develop at all.
Your cells come in all shapes and sizes. Different types of cells make different proteins according to the jobs they have to do. For example, only red blood cells contain the protein hemoglobin which carries oxygen around your body. Similarly, only cells in your eyes make proteins for detecting light. As well as these 'specialized' proteins, almost all your cells share a common set of 'housekeeping' proteins.
cells are different sizes because of how their cytoskeletons are arranged (actin, microtubules, microfilaments)
that act as a framework for the organelles of the cell to rest on
cells are different shapes for their specific functions, red blood cells are shaped like a doughnut to carry more hemoglobin, and to fit through small spaces, the epithelia of your gut have many small finger-like extensions to increase surface area to absorb the nutrients from digestion, and your neurons are long and skinny to span wide places to send signals around your body
