What are the differences between cell differentiation and cell division?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Cell differentiation

Cell division

Definition

Is the process of cells becoming specialized from another type of cell for specific functions

Is the process of forming new daughter cells from a parent cell

End result

Produces distinct cell types (e.g. neurons, cardiomyocytes)

Produces gametes and genetically identical daughter cells

Timing

Can occur at any stage in an organism's life cycle

Normally occurs during specific phases such as mitosis

Purpose

To form specialized cell types with specific functions in tissues

To increase the number of cells for growth, development, and repair

Genetic material

The genetic material remains the same, however there are alterations in gene expression

The genetic material is duplicated and divided between daughter cells

Regulation

Cellular differentiation is regulated by growth factors and transcription factors

Is regulated by the cell cycle checkpoints

Basis of differentiation	Cell differentiation	Cell division
Definition	Is the process of cells becoming specialized from another type of cell for specific functions	Is the process of forming new daughter cells from a parent cell
End result	Produces distinct cell types (e.g. neurons, cardiomyocytes)	Produces gametes and genetically identical daughter cells
Timing	Can occur at any stage in an organism's life cycle	Normally occurs during specific phases such as mitosis
Purpose	To form specialized cell types with specific functions in tissues	To increase the number of cells for growth, development, and repair
Genetic material	The genetic material remains the same, however there are alterations in gene expression	The genetic material is duplicated and divided between daughter cells
Regulation	Cellular differentiation is regulated by growth factors and transcription factors	Is regulated by the cell cycle checkpoints