What is Cell Differentiation?
Cell differentiation occurs when a cell changes into another type of cell or cells.
The process of cell differentiation occurs during cell growth.
Cellular differentiation occurs in multicellular organisms.
Cells differentiate when they change from a zygote into a more complex cellular system.
A zygote is a single-celled eukaryotic cell, formed when reproductive cells unite at fertilization.
The Process of Cell Differentiation
When cells have fully differentiated, they become specialized.
For this reason, cell differentiation is sometimes referred to as cell specialization.
After cell differentiation:
- Specialized cells undergo chemical changes in their cytoplasm.
- Specialized cells take on unique shapes.
- Cells then do one specialized job.
The changes in the shapes of specialized cells, as well as the chemical changes, enable the cells to perform their unique jobs within the organism.
In this way, cells are adapted to their special function to become well suited to the jobs they have to do.
Examples of Differentiated Cells in Plants
The following list provides two examples of differentiated cells in plants, as well as details about their shapes and functions.
Palisade Cell – Found on the top side of the leaf. Full of chloroplasts, which help with the process of photosynthesis.
Root Hair Cell – Root hair cells are long and thin. They increase the surface area of the root of the plant, helping with the absorption of water and minerals.
Examples of Differentiated Cells in Animals
The following list shows four examples of differentiated cells in animals.
After the name of each differentiated cell, you will see details about its shape and function.
Sperm Cell – The cell has a tail, allowing it to move freely in order to fertilize the ovum.
Ovum Cell – The ovum cell is larger than the sperm. The ovum has no active movement. This allows it to await fertilization by the sperm.
Ciliated Epithelial Cell – Cilia are small hair-like structures that are found in the respiratory system. They help to filter the air and to move mucus.
Nerve Cells – Nerve cells are made up of long fibers. Impulses travel along the fibers to the brain.
Cell Differentiation in Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem cells can change into any type of cell.
Before differentiation, the cells in the embryo are all the same. In other words, the cells are undifferentiated.
A fertilized egg divides during the process of mitosis, producing a group of new cells that form the embryo of the new organism.
Stem cells divide to produce more stem cells or to create specialized cells, such as blood cells.
Cells, Tissues, and Organs
Tissues are made when a group of similar cells come together.
A group of tissues come together to make an organ.
A group of organs come together to make an organ system or complete organism.
Cell Differentiation – Exercises
After you have read the material above, try to commit the key points to memory.
Then answer the questions that follow.
When you have finished, check your answers in the next section.
- What is a zygote?
- What three phenomena occur in cells after differentiation?
- Give two examples of differentiated cells in plants.
- Give two examples of differentiated cells in animals.
- “The shape of a specialized cell aids its function.” Give an example of a specialized cell and explain this phenomena.
Cell Differentiation – Answers
- A zygote is a single-celled fertilized cell.
- After cell differentiation, cells undergo chemical changes, take on unique shapes, and perform specialized jobs.
- The palisade cell and the root hair cell are two examples of differentiated cells in plants.
- The sperm cell, ovum cell, ciliated epithelial cell, and nerve cells are examples of differentiated cells in animals.
- The sperm cell is one example of a specialized cell. The shape of the tail on the sperm cell enables it to move freely in order to fertilize the ovum.
For more information on cell differentiation, please visit Biology Online.
You might also want to view our posts on cellular organelles, mitosis, and meiosis.