11.4 Cell Differentiation

Process of specialization in cells

Once specialized can't change

Once a skin cell always a skin cell

From one cell (zygote) to trillions of cells and many different types of cells (skin, muscle, nerve cells)

This worm follows a somewhat predictable path in development.

Starting as only 1 cell the worm follows a program that after certain cell divisions happen cells become specialized/programmed to become a nerve cell or skin cell.

The human body also follows a plan that specializes certain cells after certain cell divisions happen

^{Totipotent - Total Body Cells}

^{Pluripotent - Many Body Cells}

^{More versatile than adult stem cells}

^{Can develop into any body cell}

Multipotent - Several Body Cells

Hematopoietic stem cells are multipotent adult stem cells that can produce many different types of white blood cells

Differentiate into a limited range of cell types

Can harvest your own stem cells

Harvest from donor

Inject into patient

Healthy donor cells differentiate or specialize to help replace patients damaged cells/tissue

Good cells from donor divide instead of damaged cells

Replace damage heart tissue

Generate strong white blood cells