Differentiation of Cells
Differentiation
- Cells with structural features that enable them to perform a specific function are said to be specialised cells
- Cells become specialised by the process of differentiation
- As an organism develops cells differentiate to form different types of specialised cells
- When a cell differentiates it develops a structure and internal features which enable it to carry out its function
Cell differentiation diagram
An undifferentiated cell can differentiate to produce specialised cells
What are specialised cells?
- A specialised cell is a cell that has a particular structure and internal features
- Structural differences between different types of cells enable them to perform specific functions within an organism
- Specialised cells are more efficient at performing specific functions than non-specialised cells
- Some examples of specialised cells in humans include
- Nerve cells
- Muscle cells
- Sperm cells
- Red blood cells