What are the differences between cell differentiation and cell division?
Posted November 30, 2023
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 |
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