Cell Differentiation
Biology: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 2.1.8
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 Differentiation
What happens when a cell differentiates?