Gene Expression Interactive

Cell Communication & Gene Expression

How to Use This Simulation

Keyboard: Space/Enter = start/pause · R = reset · Esc = pause

DNA
(20,000 genes)
UNCHANGED

Muscle Gene

Nerve Gene

Skin Gene

Stem Cell (Unspecialized)

Chemical Signals

Click a signal to send it to the cell

Current State

The cell is an unspecialized stem cell. Send a signal to see which genes activate!

Key Misconception Fix

DNA does NOT change! All cells have the same 20,000 genes. Signals control which genes are turned ON or OFF - this is gene expression.

1. Which signal activated the muscle genes?

2. Did the DNA change when the cell became specialized?

3. What would happen if ALL genes were turned on at once?

4. How do signals "know" which genes to activate?

📊 Data Journal Trial 0

My prediction (numeric):

#	Parameters	Prediction

Before running the simulation, predict: what do you think will happen to Gene Expression when you change the variables?

Run the simulation with different settings. Record the patterns and relationships you see.

Compare your observations with your prediction. Use scientific vocabulary to explain why Gene Expression behaves this way.