DNA Video 5b - Phenotypic expression part 2

What is cellular differentiation?

Cellular differentiation is the process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type, undergoing changes in gene expression and function. This process is crucial for the development of multicellular organisms, allowing for the formation of various tissues and organs.

What types of cells are examples of differentiated cells?

nerve cells, muscle cells, and blood cells.

What is cellular differentiation?

Cellular differentiation is the process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type, undergoing changes in gene expression and function. This process is crucial for the development of multicellular organisms, allowing for the formation of various tissues and organs.

What types of cells are examples of differentiated cells?

nerve cells, muscle cells, and blood cells.

What is the state of cells at fertilization?

At fertilization, cells are in a totipotent state, meaning they have the potential to develop into any cell type in the organism.

Do all cells in the body have the same DNA

Yes, all cells in the body have the same DNA; however, different cells express different genes, leading to specialization.

What determines which genes are activated or deactivated in a cell?

The activation or deactivation of genes in a cell is determined by a combination of internal factors, such as transcription factors, and external signals from the cell's environment.

What forms tissues in the body?

Groups of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.

How do muscle cells contract?

Muscle cells contract through the sliding filament theory, where myosin and actin filaments slide past each other, shortening the cell and generating force.

Can differentiated cells change into other cell types?

Generally, differentiated cells cannot change into other cell types, but some stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various cell types.

What are epigenetic factors?

Epigenetic factors are mechanisms that regulate gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These factors can include DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA molecules.

How are epigenetic traits passed on?

Epigenetic traits are passed on through mechanisms that affect gene expression and can be inherited across generations. These modifications can be stable and affect the phenotype without changing the DNA sequence.

What is DNA methylation?

DNA methylation is a biochemical process involving the addition of a methyl group to the DNA molecule, which can affect gene expression.