Question

select all that apply. different cell types in an organism have different functions because they contain different mrnas. they contain different genes. they produce different protein products. they contain different chromosomes. this question was created or adapted by your instruct

Explanation:

• They contain different mRNAs: Different cell types have different mRNA profiles due to differential gene expression. mRNA is transcribed from DNA and then translated into proteins. Different mRNAs lead to different protein products, which contribute to different cell functions.
• They produce different protein products: Proteins are the functional molecules in cells. Different cell types produce different sets of proteins. For example, red blood cells produce hemoglobin (for oxygen transport), while pancreatic cells produce insulin (for glucose regulation). The variety of proteins in a cell determines its function.
• They contain different genes: This is incorrect. In a multicellular organism, most cells (except for some immune - related cells like B and T cells which have undergone some genetic rearrangements) contain the same set of genes. The difference in cell function is due to gene expression, not the presence of different genes.
• They contain different chromosomes: This is incorrect. In a normal organism (except for some cases of chromosomal abnormalities), most somatic cells have the same number and types of chromosomes. The genetic information (genes) on the chromosomes is the same in most cells, and the difference in function is due to gene expression rather than chromosomal differences.

Answer:

They contain different mRNAs. They produce different protein products.