Differential Cell Fates Flashcards
1. Explain how cells are directed to follow differential fates 2. Explain how cells communicate
1
Q
What are the stages of choosing a cell fate?
A
- specification: stage of commitment
- determination: second stage of commitment
- differentiation: the development of specialized cell types
2
Q
What happens in the specification stage?
A
- can still differentiate if moved to neutral environment
- commitment to cell fate can still be reversed
3
Q
What happen in the determination stage?
A
- can still differentiate if moved to new environment
- commitment to cell fate cannot be reversed
4
Q
What happens in the differentiation stage?
A
the cell expresses the gene required for it to carry out its specialized function
5
Q
At the two cell embryo stage are the cell equivalent?
A
Yes, and they influence each other to follow separate fates
6
Q
How are cells directed to follow differential fates?
A
Most cues come from the external environment (outside the cell)
7
Q
How do cells communicate (with each other and other aspects of their environment)?
A
Receptor proteins interact with ligand or detect physical changes
