Cell Change and

Development
Vocabulary:

cell specialization
specialized cells
unspecialized cells
differentiated cells
stem cell

Got Defense? In this electron micrograph,

a human white blood cell is trapping
bacterial cells. This type of cell defends
the body against pathogens by engulfing
them, delivering them to the lysosome of
the cells, and destroying them with the
help of the lysosomal enzymes.

In biology, specialized is
a term used to explain that
a cell has developed into a
specific or particular type of
cell.
Unspecialized cell, then,
refers to cells which have not
yet differentiated (changed)
into a specific type of cell.

Specialization

Stem Cells
*unspecialized cells
capable of renewing
themselves through
cell division

Differentiate
Cell Differentiation - A normal
process in development
in which cells become structurally
and functionally different
from one another
*for example, nerve, muscle and
blood cells.

Cellular Differentiation

Organization: Beginning to end.

In the development of
a multicellular
organism,
differentiated stem
cells, multiply to
become specialized
types of cells
multiplying to become
tissues, organs, part
of an organ system
and finally an
organism.

What good is stem cell research?

Stem cells leading to cures
and/or improvement
in the human condition.

Lets take a look at a video clip on

Why study about Stem cells?

Do you really
know what
they are?