asexual reproduction

if a starfish is cut into segments,each of its segment can grow into a starfish.however, humans cannot regenerate themselves.why do you think so?

Reply 1

flowersinmyhair

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Study Forum Helper

18

adult stem cells in humans can only differentiate into a limited number of other cells, but in a starfish their stem cells can differentiate into any cell that may be needed in the body

Reply 2

shallowdeep2

1

starfish has totipotent cells,which can differentiate into any cell or tissue of the body which is why they can grown from samll fragments.adults have mostly specialised cells and a few pluripotent,so they cannot.hope this helps!

Reply 3

Saeed23

OP

16

Original post by shallowdeep2

starfish has totipotent cells,which can differentiate into any cell or tissue of the body which is why they can grown from samll fragments.adults have mostly specialised cells and a few pluripotent,so they cannot.hope this helps!

well, i got it!!thanks...

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 4

shallowdeep2

1

well,now that i answered your question,i just have realised how do they have eyes and body?if they have unspecialised cells?

Reply 5

Saeed23

OP

16

hmmm...tahts a good question!anyone's got an answer?

Reply 6

flowersinmyhair

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Study Forum Helper

18

Original post by shallowdeep2

well,now that i answered your question,i just have realised how do they have eyes and body?if they have unspecialised cells?

their cells can specialise into any cell that is needed - every cell has all the genetic information needed to code for any cell, the cell effectively 'switches on' the genes that code for that particular cell and 'switch off' the genes that are not required for the cell.

Reply 7

Saeed23

OP

16

Original post by flowersinmyhair

their cells can specialise into any cell that is needed - every cell has all the genetic information needed to code for any cell, the cell effectively 'switches on' the genes that code for that particular cell and 'switch off' the genes that are not required for the cell.

so that concludes the fact that human cells are unable to 'switch off' their genes.is it correct?

Reply 8

flowersinmyhair

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Study Forum Helper

18

Original post by Saeed23

so that concludes the fact that human cells are unable to 'switch off' their genes.is it correct?

individual cells are able to 'switch off' genetic information if it is not required for the function of that cell, but that genetic information could be used in a different cell if it is required for the function of the cell.

asexual reproduction

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