Forming Structures from Cells: Exploring Bone Cell Replication

[K-Dragon]

I've only taken high school biology and I'm actually a computer science major, but I've had an idea rolling around in my head recently and I think it might be better realized if I approach the problem from a biological standpoint. I'm sort of stuck at a particular problem that I can't seem to find a good answer to.

Crudely I would state the problem like this: How does a particular cell replicate to form a particular structure, such as a bone cell replicating to to form a rib, and not some other structure consisting of the same type of cells, such as a bone cell replicating to form a phemur?

I don't think it has anything to do with DNA or anything on the cellular level but if not directly I feel as if there should be some indirect way in which this happens from circumstances on the cellular level.

If somebody could point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jim mcnamara]

You are talking about morphogenesis.

It has a lot to do with the location of cells relative to other cells. This turns on or off certain genes involved in cell differentiation.

All the hoo-hah about stem cells kind of skips over what they do:
depending on where a stem cell is located, and what external influences it experiences, it can become pretty much any type of cell. As a (for now) farfetched example: cure Parkinson's Disease by injecting stem cells into damaged areas of the medulla oblongata.

try wikipedia for more information.

 

[ravenprp]

It's great to hear that you are exploring the intersection of biology and computer science! As you mentioned, the process of forming structures from cells is a complex one and involves a combination of factors at the cellular and molecular level. While DNA does play a role in determining the type of cell that will be formed, there are also other factors at play.

One important concept to consider is cell differentiation, which is the process by which cells become specialized for specific functions. This is controlled by a variety of factors, including signals from neighboring cells, chemical signals within the cell, and physical cues from the environment. These signals can influence the expression of certain genes and ultimately determine the fate of the cell.

In the case of bone cell replication, there are specific signals and cues that direct the cells to differentiate into bone cells and form structures such as ribs or femurs. These signals can come from the surrounding tissues and organs, as well as from the cells themselves. Additionally, the physical environment, such as the amount of stress or strain on the bone, can also play a role in directing the differentiation of bone cells.

To better understand this process, you may want to look into the field of developmental biology, which studies how cells and tissues develop and differentiate into different structures. You may also want to explore the concept of cell signaling and how it influences cell behavior.

Overall, the process of forming structures from cells is a complex one and involves a combination of factors that work together to create the diversity of tissues and organs in our bodies. I hope this helps point you in the right direction for further exploration. Best of luck in your studies!