1.1.14

Cell Specialisation in Animals

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Cell Differentiation

Cell differentiation is the process where a cell develops new sub-cellular structures (structures inside a cell) to let it perform a specific function. When this happens, the cell becomes specialised.

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Embryos

  • Cell differentiation happens during an organism’s development.
  • Organisms start as one cell.
  • These cells divide to form embryos that differentiate (specialise) to produce cells that can perform all of the body's functions.
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Plants

  • Many plant cells keep their ability to differentiate throughout their life.
  • Because of this, plants are always able to create new tissues (matter that animals and plants are made from).
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Adult animals

  • Cell differentiation is rare in mature (adult) animals.
  • Their cells mostly divide (one cell splits to create two cells) in order to replace cells and repair tissues.
  • New tissues are rarely created.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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