Cell Differentiation

Cell Differentiation

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Differentiation

When we differentiate, we recognize differences.

In biology, differentiation refers to the process where a cell that is not specialized, becomes specialized.

Fetal Development

Differentiation is the process used by the human body to develop from a fertilized egg into a fetus with specialized tissues and organs.

Video Segments

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Multiple Choice

An undifferentiated cell does not yet have a specific function.

• True

• False

Multiple Select

Two ways an animal egg cell is specialized are

• half the total # of chromosomes

• normal # of chromosomes

• holds nutrients to start a new organism

• has extra mitochondria for energy

Multiple Choice

The name for undifferentiated cells is

• root cells

• stem cells

• leaf cells

Multiple Choice

Stem cells that come from a recently fertilized egg are

• embryonic

• adult

Multiple Choice

When a cell has gone through the process of specializing for a role (job) it is

• stem

• differentiated

• non-specific

Multiple Choice

After a cell is specialized, it can change back to a stem cell.

• True

• False

Adult Stem Cells

Adult stem cells are found in bone marrow. They differentiate to become various types of blood cells. This is necessary because blood cells only live a few months.

Multiple Choice

Adult stem cells are found in

• embryos

• skin

• bone marrow

Multiple Choice

Plant stem cells make it easy and cost-effective to grow new plants quickly.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

People with blood disorders can be treated with stem cells from

• an embryo

• a healthy, adult donor

Multiple Select

Potential uses of embryonic stem cells are (choose 2)

• blood transfusions

• healing paralyzed people

• curing diabetes

How do cells become specialized?

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Multiple Choice

A blastocyst is a stage in embryonic development that contains stem cells.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

How much of your DNA is in most of your cells?

• 25%

• 50%

• 75%

• 100%

Multiple Choice

When we say genes are regulated, it means they are

• on the x chromosome

• turned on or off

• mutated

Multiple Choice

Genes are turned on or off (expressed) by

• transcription factors

• the phospholipid membrane

• bone marrow

Multiple Select

Factors that can affect gene expression include (choose 3)

• other nearby cells

• written directions

• temperature

• transcription factors in the cell