Question: Why is each cell important in our body and how?

David Christensen answered on 21 Nov 2013:

Hi msha2202,

Our whole bodies are made up of cells, so we can think of this question by asking whether we think all of our body parts are important. I think that all of our body parts are important to allow us to do a lot of things. This doesn’t mean that all are necessary because there are people who have decent lives and don’t have the use of their legs or arms or they might be blind or deaf. But I think all parts of the body are important and I think I probably use most if not all of my body every day!

The cells within an organ work to allow the organ to function properly. Different cell-types within an organ will different parts within its function, but they will all be important for the organ to work normally. We can see that a lot of disease is caused by particular types of cell not working normally and cancer can be caused by any cell anywhere in the body starting to work in a way that isn’t normal. This all means that for us to be healthy and have full use of our bodies, we need all cells to be working properly and all cells are important.

I hope this answers your question!