1.1.4 Cell Differentiation
Recap
We previously six different types In this section, we will learn about 3 examples of viral diseases. You need
of specialised cells in animals to know these specific examples for AQA exams.
and plants, and the specific
features that allow these cells to
adapt for their function.
Cell differentiation
• Cell differentiation is vital for the survival of an organism. Cell
differentiation is the process by which a cell changes, becoming more
and more suited, or specialised, for a particular function.
Key Aims
• Differentiation involves many changes. The number of organelles
1. Definition of Differentiation
2. Timing of Differentiation may change, or the size of the cell may change. For example, during
3. Differentiation > differentiation sperm cells gain lots of mitochondria.
Specialisation
Timing of Differentiation
• The body begins with undifferentiated cells. The embryo has stem
cells, which are undifferentiated. As the organism grows, clusters of
cells become specialised into different tissues specialised for a
AQA Specification particular role.
As an organism develops, cells
differentiate to form different • Animal cells differentiate early. Animal cells differentiate and
types of cells. Most types of
animal cell differentiate at an
specialised early in the development of the organism
early stage.
• Plant cells take longer to differentiate. Many plant cells do not ever
become specialised and so continue to have the ability to differentiate.
AQA Specification
Many types of plant cells retain
the ability to differentiate
throughout life.
Recap
We previously six different types In this section, we will learn about 3 examples of viral diseases. You need
of specialised cells in animals to know these specific examples for AQA exams.
and plants, and the specific
features that allow these cells to
adapt for their function.
Cell differentiation
• Cell differentiation is vital for the survival of an organism. Cell
differentiation is the process by which a cell changes, becoming more
and more suited, or specialised, for a particular function.
Key Aims
• Differentiation involves many changes. The number of organelles
1. Definition of Differentiation
2. Timing of Differentiation may change, or the size of the cell may change. For example, during
3. Differentiation > differentiation sperm cells gain lots of mitochondria.
Specialisation
Timing of Differentiation
• The body begins with undifferentiated cells. The embryo has stem
cells, which are undifferentiated. As the organism grows, clusters of
cells become specialised into different tissues specialised for a
AQA Specification particular role.
As an organism develops, cells
differentiate to form different • Animal cells differentiate early. Animal cells differentiate and
types of cells. Most types of
animal cell differentiate at an
specialised early in the development of the organism
early stage.
• Plant cells take longer to differentiate. Many plant cells do not ever
become specialised and so continue to have the ability to differentiate.
AQA Specification
Many types of plant cells retain
the ability to differentiate
throughout life.
