Cell differentiation always involves a. transcription of the myoD gene. b. the movement of cells. c. the production of tissue-specific proteins. d. the selective loss of certain genes from the genome.

Key Concepts

Cell Differentiation

Cell differentiation is the process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type. This process is crucial for the development of multicellular organisms, allowing cells to acquire distinct functions and characteristics necessary for forming tissues and organs. It involves changes in gene expression that lead to the production of specific proteins that define the cell's role.

Gene Expression

Gene expression refers to the process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, typically proteins. In the context of cell differentiation, specific genes are activated or repressed, leading to the production of proteins that are unique to particular cell types. This selective expression is essential for the development of specialized functions in differentiated cells.

Tissue-Specific Proteins

Tissue-specific proteins are proteins that are produced in certain types of cells and are crucial for the specific functions of those tissues. For example, muscle cells produce myosin and actin, which are essential for contraction. The production of these proteins is a key indicator of cell differentiation, as they reflect the specialized roles that differentiated cells play in the organism.