Cell Differentiation Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

  • Look at the question or prompt on each card and try to remember the answer before flipping it over.
  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

PERSONALISED 1-TO-1 TUTORING

Need more help on this topic? Get 1-to-1 support

Get support with clear explanations, practice and feedback (Ages 5 to 16).

  • DBS-checked tutors
  • Flexible times
  • Parents can be updated

Want an ad-free experience? Subscribe to remove ads

What is cell differentiation?

It is when an unspecialised cell changes to become specialised for a specific job.

Why is cell differentiation important?

It lets the body make tissues and organs that do different tasks.

When does most differentiation happen in animals?

Early in development. Most cells then become specialised.

How is plant differentiation different from animal differentiation?

Many plant cells can keep dividing and differentiate throughout life.

Where in a plant does most differentiation start?

In meristems at the tips of roots and shoots.

What changes happen to a cell during differentiation?

Its shape and organelles change, and different genes switch on or off.

How do genes control differentiation?

They turn on only the genes needed, so the cell makes the right proteins.

Do specialised cells in your body have the same DNA?

Yes. They have the same DNA, but different genes are active.

Give one example of a differentiated cell and its adaptation.

A red blood cell loses its nucleus to carry more oxygen.

After differentiating, can most animal cells change type again?

No. Most cannot change type; they stay specialised.