4.1.1.4 Cell Differentiation
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What is differentiation?
• the process by which a cell changes to become specialised for its job
Why must stem cells undergo differentiation?
• to become specialised and be suited to its role
What does differentiation involve in stem cells?
• genes being switched on or off to produce different proteins
What does the genes being switched on and off allow for?
• the cell to acquire different sub-cellular substances for it to carry out a specific function
What happens when a cell changes?
• they develop different subcellular structures • turn into different types of cells • allows them to carry out a specific function
When does differentiation occur?
• as an organism develops
When does differentiation happen in most animal cells?
• at an early stage • is lost after they become specialised
When does differentiation occur in plant cells?
• throughout its life • don’t lose the ability to differentiate so they re-differentiate when the cell is moved to another position in the plant
What are the cells that differentiate in mature animals mainly used for?
• repairing • replacing cells (like skin or blood)
How can most specialised cells make more of the same cell?
• undergoing mitosis
What are undifferentiated cells called?
• stem cells
What happens to cells (like red blood cells) that can’t divide?
• replaced by adult stem cells as they lose their nucleus • adult stem cells retain their ability to undergo differentiation