lesson
Growth and specialised functions need different ideas
1 · Learn
Mitosis produces daughter nuclei with the same chromosome complement as the parent nucleus in the normal model, supporting growth and repair. Differentiation is the process by which cells become specialised. Stem cells retain the ability to divide and develop into certain other cell types.
Different stem-cell types have different developmental potentials. Do not assume every stem cell can become every cell type or that a proposed use is an established treatment.
2 · Worked example
A cell can divide to increase cell number, while differentiation changes the structures and gene activity associated with its role. These are related but distinct processes.
3 · Your turn
Is differentiation simply another word for increasing cell number by division?
Check your answer
No. It concerns becoming specialised, whereas division increases cell number.
4 · Apply your learning
Compare supplied models of division and specialisation and distinguish established evidence from a proposed application.
Adult guidance and safety
Use supplied evidence and approved models. Practical work needs qualified supervision, risk assessment and suitable equipment. No independent chemical, mains-electricity, radiation or biological-culture experiments. Human biology is general education, not personal medical advice; do not request intimate or health disclosures.
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