Structure of a human skin cell differs from muscle cell

Subject : Biology

Question:

The structure of a human skin cell differs from that of a human muscle cell. The two cells most likely have different:

A. genes

B. functions

C. life processes

D. ways of dividing

Expert Verified Solution:

The correct answer is B. functions. While all human cells share the same set of genes (A) and undergo similar basic life processes (C) and cell division mechanisms (D), they differ significantly in their functions due to their specialized roles.

Functions (B): Skin cells are primarily involved in forming a protective barrier for the body, while muscle cells are specialized for contraction and movement. This functional difference is reflected in their distinct structures, with skin cells having a flat, layered arrangement and muscle cells featuring elongated fibers that can contract.

Despite these functional differences, the underlying genetic code in both types of cells is the same, but it is expressed differently to suit each cell’s specific role in the body.