Here's why:
* DNA is the blueprint: All cells in an organism contain the same DNA, which is the blueprint for building and maintaining the organism.
* Gene expression: Genes are sections of DNA that code for proteins. Each cell only expresses a subset of its genes, based on its role in the organism.
* Cellular specialization: This selective gene expression leads to the development of different cell types, each with specific functions. For example, a muscle cell expresses genes for proteins involved in contraction, while a nerve cell expresses genes for proteins involved in transmitting signals.
So, while all cells have the same genes, they activate different genes to become specialized and perform different functions.