Both factors play important roles in determining how a cell will differentiate, but the physical location of the cell in the body often has a more immediate influence on differentiation.
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Genetic Information: The DNA contains the genetic information that encodes the potential for various cell types and their functions. Each cell type expresses different genes based on its predetermined genetic program.
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Physical Location: The environment and location of the cell also significantly influence differentiation. Signals from neighboring cells, extracellular matrix components, and local concentrations of signaling molecules can direct the differentiation process. For example, stem cells can differentiate into various cell types depending on their microenvironment and the specific signals they receive.
In summary, while genetic information provides the blueprint, the physical location and surrounding signals are crucial in determining how and what a cell differentiates into.