Question

The dedfferentiated cells mature to form some specific cells to perfom specific functions, this is referred to as (a) differentiation (b) decffferentiation (c) redfferentiation (d) development.

Short answer

The correct term is (d) development.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Terminology

The question asks for the term that describes the process where differentiated cells further mature to perform specific functions.

Eliminate Incorrect Options

Differentiation refers to the process where unspecialized cells become specialized. De-differentiation involves the reversal to a less specialized state. Redifferentiation involves cells becoming specialized again after de-differentiation. Thus, options (a), (b), and (c) do not accurately describe cells maturing to perform specific functions.

Choose the Correct Term

The correct term that describes the process where differentiated cells mature to perform specific functions is 'development'.

Key concepts

Differentiation in Biology

Differentiation in biology is a fundamental process occurring during the development of living organisms. It involves the transformation of unspecialized cells, like stem cells, into specialized cells that have a specific function. Imagine a young sapling growing into a tree; it develops roots, trunk, branches, and leaves, all specialized for particular purposes like stability, nutrient transport, and photosynthesis, respectively. In the same vein, during differentiation, a cell undergoes a series of genetic and environmental changes, enabling it to perform a unique role in the body. For instance, within the human body, differentiation allows a stem cell to become a neuron in the brain, a red blood cell in the bloodstream, or a muscle cell in the heart.

During this process, the cell's structure and function alter dramatically, switching on certain genes while switching off others to acquire its specialized form and responsibilities. It is differentiation that gives rise to the diverse array of cell types found in an organism, each contributing to its overall function and health.

Dedifferentiation

Dedifferentiation is the process by which specialized cells lose their specific characteristics and return to a more primitive, unspecialized state. This can be compared to an expert tradesperson who decides to forget their trade and instead return to a more general field of work. In biological terms, dedifferentiation may occur under certain circumstances, such as tissue injury or in response to specific environmental factors.

The significance of dedifferentiation lies in the cell's ability to regenerate and repair tissues. For example, in plants, dedifferentiation allows for the regeneration of a whole plant from a single leaf. In animals, this process is less common but can be observed in specific regenerative processes, such as the healing of liver cells. Understanding dedifferentiation can provide insights into how organisms heal and offer potential pathways for medical treatments, like regenerative medicine.

Redifferentiation

Redifferentiation is the next chapter in the cell's life cycle following dedifferentiation. After a cell has returned to a less specialized state through dedifferentiation, it may not remain in that state indefinitely. It can undergo redifferentiation, which entails specializing once again into a certain cell type. Picture a worker who left their specialty trade, explored other professions, and then decided to return to their original trade with new experiences to draw upon.

This process is essential for the repair and replacement of cells within an organism. Redifferentiation plays a crucial role in processes such as wound healing, where cells need to be replaced and regain their specific functions quickly to restore tissue integrity. It also occurs in natural developmental processes, such as the seasonal regrowth of antlers in deer. In the context of scientific research, redifferentiation is important in stem cell therapy, as scientists work to reprogram cells to replace damaged or diseased tissue.

Cell Specialization

Cell specialization, arguably the culmination of differentiation, refers to the evolutionary process where cells develop to perform specific tasks within an organism. Through specialization, cells become uniquely equipped to carry out particular functions - much like how a carpenter becomes skilled with wood, and an electrician becomes adept with wiring. Each specialized cell has unique attributes, like shape, structure, and organelles, tailored to fulfill its role efficiently.

Examples of specialized cells in the human body include red blood cells that transport oxygen, white blood cells that fight infection, neuron cells that transmit signals, and muscle cells that contract to cause movement. This specialization is critical to the proper functioning of complex organisms. Without specialized cells, multicellular organisms would lack the ability to perform diverse biological tasks, hampering survival and adaptability.