What is the primary cause of cell differentiation?

Cell differentiation refers to the process by which unspecialized cells develop into specialized cells with distinct functions, such as muscle cells, nerve cells, or blood cells. The key factor enabling this differentiation is the expression of alternate genetic information.

In a multicellular organism, all cells contain the same DNA, which means they have the same genetic potential. However, different types of cells express different subsets of genes. This selective gene expression allows cells to produce specific proteins that define their structure and function. For instance, a muscle cell will express genes necessary for contraction, while a nerve cell will express genes essential for transmitting signals.

The process of differentiation hinges upon the activation and silencing of various genes in response to internal and external signals, resulting in cells taking on distinct identities. This is why the option focusing on expressing alternate genetic information is recognized as the primary cause of cell differentiation—it underlines the importance of gene expression over the mere possession of different DNA or chromosomes.