Differentiation
Cell differentiation - the process by which unspecialised cells become specific cell
types: in the embryo (development) and continuing throughout life (tissue
homeostasis).
Cell Fate Determination - the process by which a cell becomes committed to a
specific function or cell type during development.
Cell Lineages - a sequence of cell division and differentiations that leads from a
single progenitor cells to a group of descendant cells. This traces the
developmental history of a cell.
Lineage Restriction - occurs when a cell or group of cells is limited to
differentiating into specific cell types. They only produce particular types of cells.
Developmental Potency - the range of possible cell types a cell can become.
Examples include totipotent, pluripotent, to multipotent. The potency decreases as
a cell becomes more specialised.
Cell differentiation is progressive driven by the interplay between a cells history
(lineage) and its environment (cell interactions). The intermediate states of
differentiation (progenitor cells or precursor cells). It ends in terminal
differentiation, the final cell form.
Housekeeping Proteins - essential for the basic maintenance and function of all
cells. They are constantly expressed in most cell types and involved in
Differentiation 1
, fundamental cellular processes.
Specialised Proteins - specific to certain cell types and are associated with the
unique functions of those cells.
Germ Layers - the blastocyst firstly differentiates into three primary germ layers
which develop through a process called gastrulation.
Ectoderm - the outer layer gives rise to structures such as skin, hair, nails, and
the nervous system. It forms the epithelial cells of sensory organs.
Mesoderm - the middle layer which develops into a wide range of tissues such
as muscle, bone, blood vessels. It is a major part of the circulatory, muscular,
and skeletal system.
Endoderm - the innermost layer which forms the lining of the digestive tract,
respiratory tract, and contributes to the formation of internal organs.
Gastrulation occurs when the blastocyst differentiates into 3 primary germ layers.
This involves invagination where the inward movement of cells causes the layers
to differentiate.
Cells move inside the embryo, creating the three germ layers: ectoderm,
Gastrulation
mesoderm, and endoderm
The outer layer of the embryo, which gives rise to the skin and nervous
Ectoderm
system
The middle layer of the embryo, which gives rise to the circulatory
Mesoderm
system, musculo-skeletal system, and more
Endoderm The inner layer of the embryo, which gives rise to the gut
Differentiation 2
Cell differentiation - the process by which unspecialised cells become specific cell
types: in the embryo (development) and continuing throughout life (tissue
homeostasis).
Cell Fate Determination - the process by which a cell becomes committed to a
specific function or cell type during development.
Cell Lineages - a sequence of cell division and differentiations that leads from a
single progenitor cells to a group of descendant cells. This traces the
developmental history of a cell.
Lineage Restriction - occurs when a cell or group of cells is limited to
differentiating into specific cell types. They only produce particular types of cells.
Developmental Potency - the range of possible cell types a cell can become.
Examples include totipotent, pluripotent, to multipotent. The potency decreases as
a cell becomes more specialised.
Cell differentiation is progressive driven by the interplay between a cells history
(lineage) and its environment (cell interactions). The intermediate states of
differentiation (progenitor cells or precursor cells). It ends in terminal
differentiation, the final cell form.
Housekeeping Proteins - essential for the basic maintenance and function of all
cells. They are constantly expressed in most cell types and involved in
Differentiation 1
, fundamental cellular processes.
Specialised Proteins - specific to certain cell types and are associated with the
unique functions of those cells.
Germ Layers - the blastocyst firstly differentiates into three primary germ layers
which develop through a process called gastrulation.
Ectoderm - the outer layer gives rise to structures such as skin, hair, nails, and
the nervous system. It forms the epithelial cells of sensory organs.
Mesoderm - the middle layer which develops into a wide range of tissues such
as muscle, bone, blood vessels. It is a major part of the circulatory, muscular,
and skeletal system.
Endoderm - the innermost layer which forms the lining of the digestive tract,
respiratory tract, and contributes to the formation of internal organs.
Gastrulation occurs when the blastocyst differentiates into 3 primary germ layers.
This involves invagination where the inward movement of cells causes the layers
to differentiate.
Cells move inside the embryo, creating the three germ layers: ectoderm,
Gastrulation
mesoderm, and endoderm
The outer layer of the embryo, which gives rise to the skin and nervous
Ectoderm
system
The middle layer of the embryo, which gives rise to the circulatory
Mesoderm
system, musculo-skeletal system, and more
Endoderm The inner layer of the embryo, which gives rise to the gut
Differentiation 2