Why do cells differentiate into different cell types within the same human?

Some differentiation occurs in response to antigen exposure. Differentiation dramatically changes a cell’s size, shape, membrane potential, metabolic activity, and responsiveness to signals. Among dividing cells, there are multiple levels of cell potency, the cell’s ability to differentiate into other cell types.

Are stem cells the only cells that can differentiate?

Pluripotent stem cells are the descendants of totipotent cells and can differentiate into nearly all cells, i.e. cells derived from any of the three germ layers. Multipotent stem cells can differentiate into a number of cell types, but only those of a closely related family of cells.

Which cell can replicate itself and differentiate as any different cell types?

Human embryonic stem cells: the center cluster of cells, colored blue, shows a colony of human embryonic stem cells. These cells, which arise at the earliest stages of development, are capable of differentiating into any of the 220 types of cells in the human body.

Do all cells contain the same DNA?

Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).

How do cells know what to differentiate into?

Signals from the environment—chemicals, extracellular proteins/hormones/factors, neighboring cells, the physical environment—converge on the cell, typically activating a signaling cascade that leads to gene expression. These specific proteins change the phenotype into that of a more specialized cell.

What does it mean for a cell to differentiate?

Listen to pronunciation. (sel DIH-feh-REN-shee-AY-shun) The process during which young, immature (unspecialized) cells take on individual characteristics and reach their mature (specialized) form and function.

Why do cells have the same genes?

It sounds like you are already well aware of the fact that every cell in our body has the same set of genes. This is because all of the cells in our bodies start from a single fertilized egg. That first cell divided over and over again until a new baby was made.