Bio 11 Cell Specialization

Prokaryote

A simple, single celled organism with no nucleus or other membrane bound organelles. ALL bacteria are prokaryotes

Eukaryotes

Complex organisms, make up most of living things. Can be BOTH uni or multi cellular. Has membrane bound organelles

Unicellular organism with reference to cell specialization

NO cell specialization. One cell carries out all functions required

Multicellular organisms with reference to cell specialization

Go through cell differentiation to develop unique appearances that suit their function

Cell differentiation vs cell specialization

Differentiation is the process, specialization or specialized cells are the result

3 examples of cell specialization and their specialized appearance

Neuron (nerve cell)-long and thin for the purpose of message sending

red blood cell-flat disks for surface area and easy fit and flow through blood vessels

sperm cell-strong and obvious tail for quick swimming, distinct head for entering egg cell

Cell differentiation

The result of gene expression, a process where a gene is switched on or off causing the creation of different proteins

Stem cells

Can become any type of cell because they haven’t gone through differentiation yet. Used to repair damaged organs and cure certain diseases.