Transplanted organs have new host blood, cell growth and DNA flowing throughout, so I'm curious if over time, the original person's DNA is removed/wiped out from the organ tissue itself.
2007-03-30 16:31:18 · 3 answers · asked by Tamug01 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Wow! Finally a really great/interesting question. I do not know the answer for this but look forward to the answers you get. Awsome!
2007-03-30 16:37:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The organ retains its original DNA because the organ cells are produced through mitosis of existing organ cells. There isn't any mechanism for DNA from the host cells to get incorporated into the DNA of the transplant cells without destroying the cell membrane of the transplant cells. Destruction of the cell membrane kills the cell, so they remain distinct. Its remotely possible that a virus could cause some genetic exchange, but not very likely.
I think there was even a CSI episode where a blood sample had two types of DNA so they were looking for two people. As it turned out, the blood came from someone who had a marrow transplant, and they produced blood cells with two different genetic profiles!
2007-03-30 23:53:28 · answer #2 · answered by formerly_bob 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure it retains the original DNA, but takes on the BLOOD type of the person who 'own's' it now...thats why they try for such a perfect match...otherwise anyone could donate to any one, if they were in the same family. (same family matches are not always Ok...because of the variables in the DNA.)
2007-03-30 23:36:51 · answer #3 · answered by Chrys 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋