Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

What four different factors determine how much DNA a particular cell has?

Hi Abdu,

I'm slightly confused by your question.

Generally speaking, all cells contain the same DNA. However, the genes that they express and the level at which they express them may differ. If you are asking about gene expression here is a nice review over how gene expression is regulated :http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpag ... n-14121669

If this isn't helpful, let me know!

Best,
Hannah

Sorry, I thought it would be confusing. I meant what factors determine how much DNA a cell in different things have. Such as a cell in a kiwi vs wheat germ. I hope that clears it up.

Abdu wrote:Sorry, I thought it would be confusing. I meant what factors determine how much DNA a cell in different things have. Such as a cell in a kiwi vs wheat germ. I hope that clears it up.

Hi,

Are you asking why a kiwi has a different amount of DNA as wheat germ?
It depends on the specific organism's genetic make-up and how they have evolved.

Here's a link from The DNA Learning Center website that may help you understand it better:
http://dnaftb.org/40/

All the best,
MrsDez