BRAINCAKECell Differentiation
Cell differentiation is the process by which an unspecialised cell becomes specialised to carry out a particular function. A human body contains over 200 different types of specialised cell, all produced from a single fertilised egg.
Differential gene expression
Almost all body cells contain the same genes, because they were all produced by mitosis from the zygote. Cells differentiate because they express different genes. In each cell type:
• some genes are switched on, so their mRNA is transcribed and the proteins are made
• other genes are switched off, so their proteins are not made.
The proteins made determine the structure and function of the cell. This is called differential gene expression.
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
Key terms in this lesson
- zygote
- The single diploid cell formed by the fusion of a sperm and an egg at fertilisation.
More in Gene Expression
- Histone Acetylation
- Histone Methylation
- non-Coding RNA
- siRNA
- Early Stages of Development
- Stem Cells
- Embryonic Stem Cells
- Umbilical Cord Stem Cells
All 39 lessons in Gene Expression · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics