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1.2 outline how the function of genes, mitosis, cell differentiation and specialisation assist in the maintenance of health
outline how the function of genes, mitosis, cell differentiation and specialisation assist in the maintenance of health
Gene expression is essential for the maintenance of health.
- Genes are the units of inheritance. They control the process of protein synthesis. They assist the maintenance of health by regulating the cell cycle and limiting the growth and reproduction of cells. Genes provide the code for proteins that are needed for growth and repair. Enzymes, which control all body processes, are proteins and thus have been produced from the codes of genes.
- Mitosis is cell division that produces identical cells. These cells are important for growth and reproduction. Each day millions of cells die and are replaced by the process of mitosis.
- Cell differentiation is the process undergone by the cells that are formed after mitosis. Each cell has the genetic information necessary to produce all types of cells. However, each cell normally differentiates to become a specialised cell, with a specialised structure and function. Undifferentiated cells form tumours.
- Many types of cells have specialised roles in maintaining the health of an organism. For example, there are specialised blood cells that produce antibodies to attack a disease causing micro-organism.