Cell Specialisation in Animals
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 1.1.15
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.
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.
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).
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.
Test yourself on Cell Specialisation in Animals
What happens when a cell differentiates?
What happens to the cells of a developing embryo?
Why can plants always create new tissues throughout their life?
Why are new tissues rarely created in mature animals?
Select the correct statement about when cell differentiation happens