Lesson Essential Question

Why is cell differentiation necessary and how do specialized cells relate to their function?

Lesson Questions

1. What is cell differentiation?

2. What are stem cells?

3. What are some examples of specialized cells?

1 What is cell differentiation?

All living organisms begin as one cell.

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Why do some cells turn into muscle cells, nerve cells, and others into bone & skin cells?

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The answer is cell differentiation.

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Module C | Cell Structure

1 What is cell differentiation?

In this process, cells become more different from one another & specialized​ for special functions.​

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During development, cells differentiate into many distinct cell types. These cells contain perform very unique tasks.

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Module C | Cell Structure

2 What are stem cells?

Stem cells are unspecialized cells from which differentiated cells develop.

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All cells contain the same DNA.​ The sequence of DNA determines the organism and its traits.

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​Stem cells can become any type of cell under the right conditions.

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Genes ​determine which proteins are produced.

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Module C | Cell Structure

2 What are stem cells?

Differentiation is how cells receive their "jobs".

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Stem cells can either come from embryos (embryonic) or adult bone marrow.

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Organisms contain several different types of specialized cells.​

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Module C | Cell Structure

3 What are some examples of specialized cells?

Nerve cells: carry nerve impulses through the body

Red blood cells : carries oxygen through the body

Muscle cells: helps with body movement

Egg Cell: female reproductive cell

Sperm Cell: male reproductive cell

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