Why do heart cells have different characteristics than skin cells?

Question

A: heart cells reproduce by mitosis

B: heart cells reproduce by cell differentiation

C: heart cells express different genes than skin cells

D: heart cells have different DNA than skin cells

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

C: heart cells express different genes than skin cells.

Although all cells in an organism contain the same DNA, different types of cells express different sets of genes, which leads to their distinct characteristics and functions. For example, heart cells (cardiomyocytes) express genes that enable them to contract and pump blood, while skin cells (keratinocytes) express genes that are important for forming the protective barrier of the skin.