Question

Living differentiated cells which have otherwise lost the capacity to divide, can regain the power of division under certain conditions This phenomenon is termed as (a) differentiation (b) dedifferentiation (c) redfferentiation (d) development.

Short answer

The correct term for living differentiated cells regaining the ability to divide is (b) dedifferentiation.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Terms

First, we need to understand what each of the terms means. Differentiation is the process by which cells become more specialized. Dedifferentiation is the reverse process where specialized cells lose their specialized features and revert to a more primitive, unspecialized form. Redifferentiation is the process where dedifferentiated cells become specialized once again. Development is the overall process during which organisms grow and develop, involving both differentiation and possibly dedifferentiation.

Identifying the Correct Term

In our case, we are looking for a term that describes when living differentiated cells that have lost the capacity to divide regain the ability to divide. The term that fits this description is 'dedifferentiation' because it refers to the process where specialized, differentiated cells revert to a less specialized state, which in some cases allows them to divide again.

Choosing the Correct Answer

Based on the definition of dedifferentiation provided in step 2, the answer to the exercise would be (b) dedifferentiation.

Key concepts

Cell Differentiation

Cell differentiation is a vital process in the life of multicellular organisms. It's the journey that cells embark upon to become specialized in structure and function.

During embryonic development, cells divide and eventually differentiate into various cell types, each with a unique role, such as muscle cells, nerve cells, or blood cells. This specificity is crucial as it determines how our bodies function on a daily basis.

Importance of Differentiation

This process isn't simply a biological curiosity; it is central to the health and maintenance of the body. Differentiated cells can react to the environment in specific ways, perform particular tasks, and repair tissue damage. However, once a cell has differentiated, it typically loses its ability to divide.

Cellular Development

Cellular development encompasses cell differentiation but also includes broader aspects of an organism's growth. This complex process involves not just the specialization of cells, but also their proliferation, interaction, and death (apoptosis).

Understanding cellular development is not just about understanding how a single cell gives rise to a complex organism. It holds the keys to deciphering how life sustains and repairs itself.

Stages of Development

The stages include embryonic development, postnatal growth, and, in some organisms, regeneration. These stages are governed by intricate genetic and molecular pathways that ensure cells know when to divide, differentiate, and even die.

Redifferentiation

Redifferentiation is effectively the sequel to dedifferentiation in a cell's life cycle. When a dedifferentiated cell goes through another phase of differentiation, this is called redifferentiation.

The cell gains new specialized features and resumes a specific role within the organism. This process is incredibly important in regeneration and healing, as it enables tissues to recover from damage and maintain their necessary functions.

Applications in Medicine

Redifferentiation holds immense potential in the field of regenerative medicine, such as in the context of stem cell therapies, where cells are manipulated to replace damaged tissues.

Cell Division

The fundamental process that allows for growth, development, and tissue repair in biological organisms is cell division. There are two main types: mitosis and meiosis.

Mitosis leads to the formation of two identical daughter cells from a single parent cell, essential for growth and tissue repair. Meiosis, on the other hand, occurs in reproductive cells and results in four genetically diverse cells, which is crucial for genetic diversity in offspring.

Cell Cycle Regulation

The cell cycle, which includes division, is tightly regulated to prevent errors that could lead to problems such as cancer. However, differentiated cells often exit the cell cycle; dedifferentiation can allow them to re-enter and divide again.