Question

Differentiation is equivalent to which term? a. morphogenesis b. growth c. specialization d. gastrulation

Short answer

c. specialization

Step-by-step solution

Option a: Morphogenesis

Morphogenesis is the biological process that leads to the development of the shape and structure of an organism. Although related to differentiation, it is not equivalent to it.

Option b: Growth

Growth is a process by which an organism increases in size or number of its cells. It is not equivalent to differentiation.

Option c: Specialization

Specialization refers to the process by which cells develop specific functions and structures, enabling them to perform specific tasks within an organism. This is essentially the same as differentiation.

Option d: Gastrulation

Gastrulation is a phase during early embryonic development in which the blastula reorganizes itself to create three germ layers. This process is not equivalent to differentiation, as it is a specific event during embryonic development. Since specialization is synonymous with differentiation, the answer is: c. specialization