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What are the differences between cell proliferation and cell differentiation?
Posted September 16, 2022
Answer
Cell proliferation and cell differentiation are processes that occur during the development of cells in multicellular organisms. There are significant differences between these two processes.
| Basis of differentiation | Cell proliferation | Cell differentiation |
| Definition | Refers to the process that is responsible for increasing the number of cells | Refers to the process that is responsible for altering the morphology and function of regular cells and transforming them into more specialized types of cells capable of performing specific functions |
| Significance | The number of cells increases due to this process | Non-specialized cells become functionally specialized due to this process |
| Causative factor - Mechanism | Is the result of cell growth and cell division | Is a result of the regulation of gene expression |
| Where the process first occurs | Occurs first in stem cells | Cells that proliferate in stem cells later differentiate into special functional cell types |
| Function | Helps in replenishing number of cells as well as replacing damaged or dead cells | Helps in replacing damaged and dead cells in tissues |
Additional resources
ReadiUse™ CFSE [5-(and 6)-Carboxyfluorescein diacetate, succinimidyl ester] *CAS 150347-59-4*