How do cells become specialized?
Mitosis creates genetically unique cells
that can do different tasks.
Mitosis creates specialized cells for different purposes.
Genetically identical
cells undergo
differentiation to alter gene expression.
Genetically identical cells undergo
differentiation to make them genetically
unique.
Cells become specialized through a process called differentiation. During differentiation, genetically identical cells undergo changes that alter gene expression and result in the development of specialized cell types with unique functions.
Differentiation is regulated by various factors, including genetic programming and environmental signals. These factors influence which genes are turned on or off in a particular cell, leading to the production of specific proteins and cellular structures that enable the cell to perform its specialized function.
For example, during embryonic development, undifferentiated cells gradually transform into specialized cell types such as muscle cells, neurons, or skin cells. This process involves the activation or inhibition of specific genes in response to signals from surrounding cells and tissues.
Additionally, epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in cellular differentiation. These modifications, such as DNA methylation or histone modifications, can permanently alter gene expression patterns, allowing cells to maintain their specialized identities over multiple cell divisions.
In summary, cells become specialized through the process of differentiation, which involves changes in gene expression patterns and the development of specific cellular structures and functions. Differentiation is regulated by both genetic and environmental factors and allows genetically identical cells to acquire unique characteristics.