Cell specialization, (also known as cell differentiation), is a process in multicellular organisms where cells develop specific functions. During early development, cells undergo a process where they commit to becoming a specific cell type and acquire distinct structures and functions to help them carry out specialized roles within the organism. These specialized cells may be found only in certain areas of the body, such as in epithelial cells (skin) or bone cells, or may be found throughout the body, such as blood cells in the circulatory system. Other examples include muscle cells, liver cells, bone, and nerve cells.
So what controls how cells know to differentiate into a wide variety of specialized cells? It is controlled by the genetic material contained within each cell. Remember that during interphase in somatic cells (body cells), the cells are growing and the DNA is being replicated. Then, at some point there is a signal to start the cell division process. It is at this point that the DNA of each cell is triggered to do work.
Every single cell in your body contains the exact same copy of DNA as every other cell. That DNA contains individual sections called genes. There are genes that will code for specific proteins or traits. It is these genes found on the DNA strands that will determine whether a cell becomes a skin cell, or a nerve cell, or a bone cell, etc. So how exactly does this occur?
All of the cells within an organism are constantly sending signals to each other. It is the specific signals that turn on (activate) certain genes along the DNA strand. As the DNA is transcribed, it is read by the RNA. The RNA then makes the specific proteins coded for on the DNA strand. It is these specific proteins that determine what type of cell it will become.
For example, cells in the interior of the body will be signaled by genes to become either muscle cells or connective tissues, while other cells on the exterior of the body will be signaled to become epithelial cells. This process is known as gene expression. Any errors, or mutations, to the gene may cause errors that can lead to a variety of disorders and diseases.
Cell specialization is critical for the overall functioning of tissues, organs, and organ systems. Without specialized cells, the human body would not be able to perform essential functions such as digestion, oxygen transport, and immune responses.
1. Which statement is true about cell specialization?
A. All answers listed are true.
B. The proteins that are made during protein synthesis determine cell specialization.
C. Specialized cells can be found concentrated to one area of the body or could be found all over the body.
D. Cell specialization can also be called cell differentiation.
A. All answers listed are true.
2. How do genes determine what type of cell will be made?
A. A single gene has mutated into all forms of genes in order to serve different functions in cells.
B. Cells turn 'on' the appropriate genes needed for a cell and turn 'off' any genes that are not important to that cell.
C. Cells only pass on the DNA that is needed to function in a copy of that cell.
B. Cells turn 'on' the appropriate genes needed for a cell and turn 'off' any genes that are not important to that cell.
3. Fill in the blanks below to represent the process that controls which traits are produced.
________ ----> ________ ----> ______
These steps are called protein synthesis and they control ______.
DNA ----> RNA ----> Protein
These steps are called protein synthesis and they control gene expression.
4. Which of the following are examples of fully specialized cells? (Choose more than one answer.)
A. Epithelial cells
B. Plant cells
C. Somatic cells
D. Bone cells
E. Muscle cells
F. Blood cells
A. Epithelial cells
D. Bone cells
E. Muscle cells
F. Blood cells