4.1.1.4 Cell Differentiation

Question 1

What is differentiation?

Answer 1

• the process by which a cell changes to become specialised for its job

Question 2

Why must stem cells undergo differentiation?

Answer 2

• to become specialised and be suited to its role

Question 3

What does differentiation involve in stem cells?

Answer 3

• genes being switched on or off to produce different proteins

Question 4

What does the genes being switched on and off allow for?

Answer 4

• the cell to acquire different sub-cellular substances for it to carry out a specific function

Question 5

What happens when a cell changes?

Answer 5

• they develop different subcellular structures
• turn into different types of cells
• allows them to carry out a specific function

Question 6

When does differentiation occur?

Answer 6

• as an organism develops

Question 7

When does differentiation happen in most animal cells?

Answer 7

• at an early stage
• is lost after they become specialised

Question 8

When does differentiation occur in plant cells?

Answer 8

• throughout its life
• don’t lose the ability to differentiate so they re-differentiate when the cell is moved to another position in the plant

Question 9

What are the cells that differentiate in mature animals mainly used for?

Answer 9

• repairing
• replacing cells (like skin or blood)

Question 10

How can most specialised cells make more of the same cell?

Answer 10

• undergoing mitosis

Question 11

What are undifferentiated cells called?

Answer 11

• stem cells

Question 12

What happens to cells (like red blood cells) that can’t divide?

Answer 12

• replaced by adult stem cells as they lose their nucleus
• adult stem cells retain their ability to undergo differentiation