Anatomy - Cell differentiation

how cells become different from each other

What is cell differentiation?

A process by which cells become specialized in their structure and functions through the switching on/off of genes inside their DNA

What kind of cells can become any type of cell?

stem cells

• but when cell differentiation happens ability to get specialized becomes limited

• Germ cells you can get from stem cells that can be a specialized cell

• germ and stem cells are the same

When does most cell differentiation occur?

During embryonic development.

• But also throughout life, like when new skin cells or blood cells are made.

Give an example of a differentiated cell.

Muscle cell, nerve cell, red blood cell, skin cell.

What are the two main types of stem cells?

Embryonic stem cells and adult (somatic) stem cells.

Which stem cells can become any type of cell?

Embryonic stem cells (they are pluripotent).

Where are adult stem cells found?

In tissues of the body, like bone marrow, skin, or blood.

they can only turn into blood cells

what are stem cells

The unspecialized cells from which differentiation cells develop are knwon as stem cells

they stay forever and mature