Cell Specialisation

Overview

Cell specialisation or cell differentiation is the process by which generic cells transform into specific cells with unique functions in an organism.
This is crucial for performing complex biological functions needed for the survival of the organism.
Every cell in an organism derives from a single fertilised egg cell or zygote, which goes through various stages of specialisation to form the myriad of different cell types found in the body.

Red Blood Cells: Adapted to carry oxygen around the body. They possess a biconcave shape, lack a nucleus, and contain haemoglobin to bind and transport oxygen.
Neurons: Specialised for carrying electrical signals throughout the body. They have long extensions (axons and dendrites) and produce neurotransmitters for signal transmission.
Sperm Cells: Adapted for fertilisation. They have a streamlined shape and a tail (flagellum) for swimming towards the egg. They are packed with mitochondria for energy.
Root Hair Cells: Specialised plant cells enabling better water and nutrient uptake from the soil. They have long projections increasing their surface area for absorption.
Muscle Cells: These are specialised to contract and enable body movement. They contain protein filaments that slide past each other, causing contraction.

Diversity and Efficiency: The existence of different types of cells allows an organism to perform different functions simultaneously and efficiently.
Increase in Complexity: Cell specialisation enables an organism to develop from a single cell into a complex, multicellular individual.
Survival and Evolution: It aids in the survival of the species as specialised cells are more efficient in responding to changes in the surrounding environment.

Specialisation occurs during development in response to gene expression.
The genes in a cell’s DNA that are turned on or ‘expressed’ determine the specialised function of a cell.
Stem cells have the ability to become any type of cell – the process of specialisation involves switching some genes on and other genes off, until a specific function is determined.
This is tightly regulated by the body, ensuring that the right cell types develop in the right places at the right times.

Stem cells are the foundation of cell specialisation - their remarkable potential allows them to develop into many different cell types in the body.
They can divide without limit to replenish other cells - a process known as self-renewal.
They can give rise to specialised cells, through a carefully regulated process of differentiation.
In the human body, stem cells are found in early embryos, the umbilical cord and certain adult tissues, like bone marrow.
Their incredible versatility offers potential in many areas of health and medicine, including tissue repair and the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson’s and diabetes.