How can a stem cell contain the same genetic information, yet specialize as bone cells nerve cells, muscle cells and connective tissue cells?

Answer: All cells in the body contain the same DNA, but different RNA, according to which proteins need to be synthesized.

Explanation:

DNA is the molecule that contains the genetic information necessary to generate proteins. This is due to the sequence of nucleotides, which are monomers of DNA. Each nucleotide contains a different base: Adenine (A), Timine (T), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C). But when the cell needs to synthesize proteins, DNA is not used directly but transcribed into RNA. This RNA is directed to the ribosomes, organelles where protein synthesis takes place, and according to the sequence of RNA (which is complementary to DNA), a different amino acids is coded. During translation, aminoacids are joined together to form proteins.

All cells in the body contain the same DNA, but different RNA, according to which proteins need to be synthesized. For example, a stem cell can give rise to any specialized cell in the body such as a nerve or muscle cell. All three have the same DNA but a nerve cell specializes in the transmission of impulses and neurotransmitters so it will replicate only the DNA genes that are necessary for this and this is how only part of the genetic material is replicated into RNA. The same goes for the muscle cell, which needs genes necessary for force and motion.