Exploration Activity

Every cell in your body has the same genetic information. How is it then that there are so many different types of cells in your body? The answer is that during different cell divisions only certain parts of the genetic information are used, much like reading only some books in the library. As a result, your body produces different cell types according to the genetic information that is "read" or translated for that particular cell.

In the scenario below, a cell has 11 genes in its DNA. Each gene initiates certain processes in the cell as shown in the table below. Use these genes to draw what the cells would look like as they progress through two divisions. Note: If a gene is switched on, the cell follows the instruction for that gene.

\begin{tabular}{|c|c|}
\hline
Gene Number & Instructions \\
\hline
1 & Grow spikes (overrides gene 2) \\
\hline
2 & Lose spikes \\
\hline
3 & Grow by [tex]$20\%$[/tex] in volume \\
\hline
4 & Grow by [tex]$30\%$[/tex] in volume \\
\hline
5 & Keep single nucleus (overrides gene 6) \\
\hline
6 & Divide nucleus in two to produce a cell with more than one nucleus \\
\hline
7 & Grow [tex]$50\%$[/tex] longer along [tex]$y$[/tex] axis \\
\hline
8 & Grow [tex]$50\%$[/tex] longer along [tex]$x$[/tex] axis \\
\hline
9 & Remain as a singular cell (overrides genes 10 and 11) \\
\hline
10 & Produce connections to join to parent cell \\
\hline
11 & Grow microvilli along unattached border (only if gene 10 is on) \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

1. After a cell's first cell division, genes 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9 are switched on. Draw what this cell would look like in Box 1 below.

2. After the second cell division, only genes 5, 8, and 9 are switched on. Draw what this cell would look like in Box 2 below.

Box 1

Box 2



Answer :

### Step-by-Step Solution:

First Cell Division:

1. Gene 1 is switched on: This gene instructs the cell to grow spikes. This overrides any instruction to lose spikes from Gene 2.
2. Gene 3 is switched on: This gene instructs the cell to lose spikes if they were present. However, since Gene 1 overrides this, the spikes will remain. Additionally, Gene 3 instructs the cell to grow by 20% in volume.
3. Gene 4 is switched on: This gene instructs the cell to grow by two amounts: initially by 20% in volume and subsequently by 30% in volume.
4. Gene 5 is switched on: There are no instructions provided for Gene 5 in this context.
5. Gene 8 is switched on: There are no instructions provided for Gene 8 in this context.
6. Gene 9 is switched on: This gene instructs the cell to remain as a singular cell, overriding any instructions from Genes 10 and 11.

Combining the instructions:
- Spikes grow (Gene 1).
- Volume increases due to the multiplicative effect of Genes 3 and 4:
[tex]\[ \text{Total Volume Change} = 1.2 \times 1.2 \times 1.3 = 1.872 \][/tex]
- The cell remains as a singular entity without dividing (Gene 9).

So, the representation of the cell in Box 1 should show a cell with spikes and approximately 1.872 times its original volume.

Second Cell Division:

1. Gene 5 is switched on: There are no instructions provided for Gene 5 in this context.
2. Gene 8 is switched on: There are no instructions provided for Gene 8 in this context.
3. Gene 9 is switched on: This gene instructs the cell to remain as a singular cell, overriding any instructions from Genes 10 and 11.

Combining the instructions:
- The cell does not grow spikes or change any spike-related structures since Gene 1 is not switched on.
- No change in volume occurs as there are no genes instructing volume change.
- The cell remains as a singular entity without dividing (Gene 9).

The representation of the cell in Box 2 should be similar to an unchanged cell, confirming a singular structure with no spikes and the same volume as it was before this second division.

### Conclusion:

- Box 1: A single cell with spikes and about 1.872 times the original volume.
- Box 2: A singular, unchanged cell (no spikes, no volume change).