Cell Differentiation / Specialization

What is cell differentiation?

• The process where unspecialized cells become different in structure and function.

• When DNA controls the cell cycle.

• The ability of cells to make more cells.

• The ability of cells to maintain homeostasis.

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The diagram shows the process of cell specialization from a single stem cell. Which of the following statements is true about the process of specialization.

• Specilized cells (blood, skin, nervous etc) cannot be produced from a single stem cell
• Specilized cells are produced immediately following fertilization
• Even though all the cells in an organism come from one single cell, they can specialize into different cell types
• Sincce all the cells in an organism come from one single cell, they must all have the same structure and function

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What causes differentiation?

• The DNA is different in each type of cell. 
• Some cells have more or less DNA than others.
• Only specific parts of the DNA are activated.
• The DNA has genes that are expressed the same way.

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All our cells, except sex cells like eggs or sperm, have ___________ DNA

• different
• similar
• exactly the same
• half the amount of 

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Stem cells are

• cells that grow uncontrollably
• undifferentiated and can be any type of cell
• never go through cell division
• only found in embryos

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What is the difference between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells?

• Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into more cell types than adult stem cells
• Adult stem cells are pluripotent, just like embryonic stem cells
• Adult stem cells can differentiate into more cell types than embryonic stem cells
• Adult stem cells grow bigger than embryonic stem cells

Why are scientists interested in studying stem cells?

• They never die.
• They come from the brain stem. 
• They can be transplanted into monkeys.
• They can become any type of cell.

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This type of cell is not yet specialized, but has the ability to turn into a variety of specialized cell types. It is used in research to treat a variety of medical ailments and diseases.

• stem cell
• bone cell
• nerve cell
• gamete

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Stem cells have 2 possible "paths" in life. What are these?

• Continually replicate themselves to make more stem cells

• Become inactive

• Engulf other stem cells

• Differentiate into a specialized cell type

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All bodily cells have the same DNA. True or False?

• True

• False