Cell Differentiation in Animals and Plants

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason stem cells undergo differentiation?

To become specialized for specific functions (correct)
To replicate rapidly through mitosis
To lose their ability to divide
To move to different positions in the organism

In animals, most specialized cells retain the ability to differentiate throughout life.

False (B)

What process enables most specialized cells to produce more of the same type of cell?

mitosis

Red blood cells cannot divide and are replaced by adult stem cells, which do retain the ability to undergo ______.

<p>differentiation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following cell types with their differentiation capabilities:

<p>Animal Specialized Cells = Lose the ability to differentiate after an early stage Red blood cells = Cannot divide and are replaced by stem cells Plant Cells = Retain the ability to differentiate throughout life Animal Adult Stem Cells = Retain the ability to undergo differentiation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cell Differentiation

The process where stem cells specialize into different cell types with unique functions.

How does cell differentiation work?

Cells become specialized by switching on or off certain genes, leading to the production of different proteins and cell structures.

Differentiation in animals

Animal cells usually differentiate early in development and lose the ability to change into other cell types.

Cell division after differentiation

Most specialized cells can make more of themselves through mitosis, but some, like red blood cells, lose their nucleus and cannot divide.

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Differentiation in plants

Plant cells retain the ability to differentiate throughout their life, responding to changes in their environment.

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Study Notes

Cell Differentiation

Stem cells differentiate to become specialized cells, which involves switching genes on/off to produce different proteins.
This allows cells to carry out specific functions.
In animals, most cells differentiate early in development and lose this ability.
Specialized cells can create more of their type through mitosis.
Some cells, like red blood cells, cannot divide and are replaced by adult stem cells.
In mature animals, cell division primarily repairs/replaces damaged cells; they don't grow much.