If the "blueprint" (our DNA) is contained within each cell how does a body repair a damaged organ (cell division) that has been transplanted into us considering that the transplanted organ has a different DNA?
by 
WildCoastAmbler
ANSWERS: 4
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From what I recall, each cell contains a copy of the entire DNA code. I have NO clue how this interacts with a transplanted organ! Now I have to put your question to watchlist because I am curious. Good question!
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My guess is that the new cells formed by the reparation of the organ will have the DNA of the donor, but will still work fine since it is still human DNA.
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The cells will bond, however the bodies immune system oftentimes treats the foreign organ as a virus, because of the difference in DNA. This is why most people who have had organ transplants take immunosuppressants for the rest of their lives, or suffer from Allograft rejection. Nowadays, they also do genetic sequencing in some hospitals to see which proteins and the like match closely between the donor and recipient, to reduce the chance that the organ will completely fail or be rejected once it has been transplanted. This is one of the primary reasons they ask that family members be the donor, because the DNA match is close enough that the chance of rejection is greatly diminished.
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... The transplanted organ will have the donor's DNA and repair itself. The immune response is only partly due to differences in DNA. The actual cause in the MHC protein that is expressed on every body cell. The MHC (Macro histocompatability Complex) tells the immune system that you are you. The MHC is different even within families and a "perfect" match is highly unlikely. The immunosuppressants stop the rejection by down regulating the immune system.
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