Is the concentration of DNA constant for different body cells of the same species?

Question

Is the concentration of DNA constant for different body cells of the same species?

Answer 1

I'm not sure exactly what you're asking.

If we are talking human - we have 46 chromosomes in all somatic cells, while we have 23 chromosomes in our reproductive gametes (eggs or sperm). These numbers never vary. A cell from your liver wouldn't have extra chromosomes than a brain cell, etc.

However, during mitosis and meiosis, the chromosomes replicate for cell division, therefore there is possibly twice the number, or half the number in the case of meiosis. In that aspect, it is not a constant.

If you're talking concentration as in particles in a solution, no, that would not be constant, as cells vary in size and in fluid volume.

Answer 2

I don't think the concentration would be the same because different tissues have cells of different sizes and shapes. In tissues with larger cells, the concentration of DNA would be proportionally smaller.

If we are talking about the amount of DNA per cell, that is always constant. Each cell of the body has the same amount of DNA.

Answer 3

If your question pertains to the amount of DNA then:

Since every cell in the body is derived from the same zygote at conception, all subsequent cells will have risen from the same cell. Cells cannot exicise or add any DNA to their nucleus so it is only logical that all cells in the body will have the same amount of DNA within it. The fundamental differences would be the perhaps the amount of DNA that is actually being utilized in that cells specific function.