Cell Specialization

What are the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Prokaryotes	Eukaryotes
No nucleus	Has nucleus
No membrane-bound organelles	Has membrane-bound organelles
Unicellular(bacteria)	Usually multicellular (some unicellular)
Smaller and simpler	Larger and more complex

What is the difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms?

• Unicellular: Made of one cell that performs all life functions. NO cell specialization.

• Multicellular: Made of many(more than one) specialized cells that work together.

How are the structures of these specialized cells related to their functions?(Neuron, Red blood cell, Sperm cell)

• Neuron: Long and thin-sends info from one part of the body to another

• Red Blood Cell: Shaped like flattened disks-easily flow through blood vessels & Carry oxygen throughout the body

• Sperm Cell: strong tail for quick swimming & distinct head helps it enter the egg cell

What is the difference between cell differentiation and cell specialization?

• Cell Differentiation: The process by which cells become different.

• Cell Specialization: The final result—a cell with a specific structure and function.

What causes cell differentiation? What is gene expression? In a heart cell, is the melanin gene on or off?

Cell differentiation happens through gene expression, where certain genes are turned on or off.

In a heart cell, the melanin gene is OFF because heart cells do not produce melanin.

What are stem cells? What can they be used for?

Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can become many different types of specialized cells. They can be used for growth, tissue repair, and medical treatments.