Cell Differentiation Study Guide

What Is A Cell That Remains Undifferentiated For Life?

Stem cell

What Cell Structure Holds The Instructions For What The Cell Will Change Into?

The nucleus

How Does It Happen?

As cells differentiate, they become different from one another. They also form groups made of other, similarly specialized cells. These groups then form tissues and organs. Through mitosis and differentiation, the single cell becomes an organism with specialized structures.

What Directs It?

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

What Is Active DNA?

DNA that is not turned off during differentiation.

Define: Cell Differentiation

Differentiation is the process by which cells change in structure and become capable of carrying specialized functions.

3 Cells A Stem Cell Can Change Into (PLANT)

- root -stem -leaf

3 Things That Determine How Much And When A Cell Changes

-Its DNA -Its function -The type of organism

2 Factors That Determine What The Cells Of The Embryo Will Change Into

1. The location of the cell 2. Its DNA

Define: Zygote

A fertilized egg

When A Cell Becomes Fixed, What Happens To The Cell?

It cannot differentiate anymore

Differentiation To Plant And Animal Cells

Plant cells can be differentiated to make up such organs like the leaves, roots, and stem.