What is the significance of cell differentiation?

Cell differentiation allows for cells to develop into specific structures and functions which then allow them to perform specific tasks within tissues and organs. This is vital for the proper functioning of cells and subsequently the whole organism. One example is stem cells turning into neurons, which are responsible for sending and receiving information in the brain. Cell differentiation is also involved in tissue formation. The process leads to the formation of the heart, brain, and all other tissue from a single-cell zygote and the embryo. Cell differentiation also has an important role in tissue homeostasis and longevity. After birth, development continues throughout the lifetime of animals and plants. Specialized cells function to regulate physiological processes such as immune response and metabolism to increase an organism's overall longevity. T lymphocytes are examples of specialized immune cells.