Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: Ellingson, Kenneth L on 23/10/2008 10:49:51

Title: Does a donor organ eventually consist solely of the recipient's cells?
Post by: Ellingson, Kenneth L on 23/10/2008 10:49:51

Ellingson, Kenneth L  asked the Naked Scientists:

Chris

If the human body's cells replace and we are completely new after several years will a transplanted organ or limb eventually become your DNA and cells?

Knute Ellingson, Chicago

What do you think?

Title: Does a donor organ eventually consist solely of the recipient's cells?
Post by: rosy on 23/10/2008 12:59:55

No, in most cases not.. the cells with which the organ replaces itself are generated by division of cells from within the organ which, having been transplanted in with the organ, will have the same genetic code as the donor rather than the person receiving the donation.