Cell Specialization and Differentiation

Cell Specialization

• Cells develop specific functions through a process called cell specialization.
• Animal cells specialize into lung cells, skin cells, or brain cells.
• Plant cells specialize into xylem or phloem cells in roots, stems, or leaves.

Differentiation

• Differentiation is the process where cells change and acquire different functions.
• Embryonic stem cells can differentiate.

Stem Cells

• All body cells originate from stem cells.
• Stem cells are unspecialized cells.
• Stem cells can specialize under specific conditions or remain unspecialized and divide.

Types of Stem Cells

• Embryonic stem cells: Found in embryos. Can differentiate into various cell types.
• Adult stem cells: Differentiate from embryonic stem cells. Limited ability to form different cell types compared to embryonic stem cells.
• Meristematic stem cells: Plant stem cells found at root and stem tips and in the cambium. Active throughout the plant's life, constantly creating new cells of various types.

Tissues

• Tissues are groups of specialized cells performing specific tasks.

Types of Animal Tissues

• Epithelial tissue: Lines body cavities, outer body surface.
  • Functions in protection and forming glands secreting hormones, enzymes, and sweat.
  • Characterized by tightly packed cells forming a barrier.
• Connective tissue: Supports and protects body structures.
  • Includes blood, tendons, ligaments, bones, and cartilage.
  • Connects different tissues together.
• Muscle tissue: Enables movement.
  • Three types: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac.
  • Skeletal muscle controls body movements. Smooth muscle is found in internal organs. Cardiac muscle is only in the heart.
• Nervous tissue: Responds to stimuli.
  • Composed of nerve cells transmitting messages (impulses).

Types of Plant Tissues

• Meristematic tissue: Plant stem cells, found in growing parts of the plant.
  • Unspecialized cells dividing by mitosis.
• Epidermal tissue: Protective outer layer of the plant.
  • Allows gas and material exchange.
  • Contains guard cells forming stomata (pores) for gas exchange.
• Ground tissue: Most of the plant tissue.
  • Provides strength and support (in stems).
  • Stores food and water (in roots).
  • Site of photosynthesis (in leaves).
• Vascular tissue: Transports water and nutrients within the plant.
  • Xylem: Transports materials from roots to leaves.
  • Phloem: Transports sugars from leaves to other parts of the plant.

This quiz explores the concepts of cell specialization and differentiation, focusing on how cells develop specific functions. It covers various types of stem cells, their origins, and the unique roles they play in both animals and plants. Test your knowledge about how cells change and specialize across different organisms.