Cell specialization

• All life starts with a single cell. This cell is called a zygote
• The sperm from the male cell enters the membrane of the egg from the female.
• The zygote gives rise many different types of cells in that organism.
• Each of these cells have a particular structure or function this is called cell specialization.
• This is a Fertilized egg

  
• As cell division continues the cells not only increase in number but they also begin to differentiate
• This is a 2-Cell

  
• This is a 4-Cell

  
• This is a 8-Cell

  
• This is a 12-Cell

  
• This is a blastocyst

  
• When a cell differentiates it means they become specialized in structure and function.
• After differentiating, the specialized cells then arrange themselves into tissues, which are organized into organs and ultimately, organ systems.
• Even though the cells are all different sizes, shapes, and perform different functions, they all contain the same DNA in their nucleus.
• Cell -> Tissue -> Organ -> Organ system -> Organism
• During the process of specialization, only specific parts of the DNA are activated.
• The parts of the DNA that are activated determine the structure and specialized function.
• Because all cells contain the same DNA, all cells initially have the potential to become any type of cell.
• Once a cell specializes the process cannot be reversed
• The sperm from the male cell enters the membrane of the egg from the female.