Differentiation

DIFFERENTIATION is the process where a cell transforms into a SPECIALISED CELL for a specific job.

• It involves the development of DIFFERENT SUBCELLULAR STRUCTURES for various functions.
• In animal cells, most differentiation occurs at an early stage as the organism develops.
• In MATURE animals' cells, the ability to differentiate is mainly used for REPAIRING AND REPLACING cells, such as skin or blood cells.
• Plant cells NEVER lose their ability to differentiate.
• Undifferentiated cells are known as STEM CELLS.