Differentiation and specialised cells

• What is differentiation?

  The process by which unspecialised cells become specialised cells
• What is the initial state of cells in the embryo before differentiation?


  They are unspecialised cells
• What happens to unspecialised cells during differentiation?


  They divide to become any type of specialised cell in an adult
• What is a specialised cell?


  A cell that has developed a special feature or function
• Why do specialised cells only produce the proteins they need?

  They only use particular genes for their specific functions
• How many chromosomes are in an undifferentiated cell?


  46 chromosomes
• How many chromosomes are in a white blood cell?

  46 chromosomes
• What is the key difference between differentiation in animals and plants?

  Plant cells can differentiate throughout their life, while animal cells usually do so at the start of their life
• What happens to adult animal cells in terms of differentiation?

  They usually only divide for growth and repair
• What is the exception to the rule of differentiation in animals?


  Growth and repair
• Why is it necessary for cells to differentiate?

  It allows multicellular organisms to create uniquely functional cell types
• What are the main points about differentiation in animals and plants?

  • Animal cells usually differentiate at the start of life.
  • Adult animal cells divide mainly for growth and repair.
  • Plant cells can differentiate throughout their entire life.
  • Most animal cells become specific specialised cells.
  • Plant cells retain the ability to differentiate.