10.4 Cell Differentiation

10.4 Cell Differentiation

By Mr. Spies

Multiple Choice

Do you think that there are currently stem cells inside of you?

• Yes, and a lot of them

• Maybe a few, but not a lot

• None, because I am no longer developing

• Not sure what a stem cell is....

Key Idea: Describe the process of differentiation

During the development of an organism, cells differentiate into many types of cells

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Differentiation is the process cells undergo to become a specific type of cell​

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In humans, begins at embryotic stage​

Key Idea: Define stem cells and explain their importance

Stem cells are unspecialized cells from which differentiated cells develop

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Stem cells offer the potential benefit of using undifferentiated cells to repair or replace badly damaged cells and tissues​

Open Ended

How does a single undifferentiated cell (fertilized egg cell) lead to a complex multicellular organism?