is the process that transforms unspecialized cells into specialized ones with specific functions. It's crucial for embryonic development and maintaining homeostasis in adult tissues. , capable of self-renewal and differentiation, play a key role in this process.
Changes in drive differentiation, turning specific genes on or off. This leads to the production of cell-type-specific proteins that determine cellular structure and function. Extracellular signals, like growth factors and hormones, influence this process by activating or inhibiting .
Cellular Differentiation
Cell specialization during development
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Cellular differentiation transforms unspecialized cells into specialized cells with specific functions (, , )
Occurs throughout embryonic development and continues in adult tissues to maintain homeostasis
Stem cells, unspecialized cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation, give rise to specialized cells
Stem cells undergo , producing one daughter cell that remains a and another that differentiates
Changes in gene expression drive differentiation by turning specific genes on or off
Differential gene expression leads to the production of cell-type-specific proteins that determine cellular structure and function
Extracellular signals, including growth factors () and hormones (), influence differentiation by activating or inhibiting transcription factors
Differentiating cells undergo morphological and functional changes to suit their specialized roles
Cytoskeleton and organelles adapt to support the cell's specific function (extensive in secretory cells)
Cell surface receptors and adhesion molecules change to reflect the cell's role in the tissue ( in )
Potency levels of stem cells
Stem cell potency refers to the ability to differentiate into various cell types
can give rise to all cell types, including embryonic and extraembryonic tissues (, early up to the 8-cell stage)
differentiate into all cell types of the three germ layers (, , ) but not extraembryonic tissues
Examples include and ()
differentiate into multiple cell types within a specific lineage or germ layer
give rise to blood cells
produce neurons and glial cells
differentiate into bone, cartilage, and fat cells
differentiate into a few closely related cell types ( produce B and )
differentiate into only one specific cell type ( give rise to sperm cells)
Transcription factors in differentiation
Transcription factors are proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences and regulate gene expression by activating or repressing target gene transcription
Specific sets of transcription factors are expressed in a coordinated manner during differentiation, determining the cell's identity and function