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Deciding which proteins to make

Almost all your cells have the same set of genes. These carry instructions for making every protein in your body. But any particular cell uses only a selected set of genes. If a gene is 'switched off', no protein will be made from that gene. Mechanisms for switching genes on and off are crucial to the functioning of every cell.

Only cells in the pancreas make insulin.
Only cells in the pancreas make insulin.
National Medical Slide Bank/Wellcome Photo Library

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