What happens during cell differentiation?

Cell differentiation refers to the process in which a less specialized cell undergoes a developmental process to become more specialized in both its function and physical structure. The process of differentiation induces significant changes in a cell, affecting its size, shape, and energy requirements. The cells need to acquire the features necessary for its specialized role. Differentiating cells commit to a specific lineage or cell type, such as becoming a blood cell, a nerve cell, or a muscle cell. It is important to note that this process is not a linear and irreversible one. During differentiation, specific genetic information is activated or suppressed at various stages. Thus, differentiated cells have the potential to be reversed back into a stem cell-like state by re-adjusting them to express a specific set of genes. Cell differentiation occurs due to various signals from the environment in both a spatial and temporal manner. It responds to both mechanical and chemical cues, meaning that cells are influenced by their surroundings in terms of structure and timing. Cell differentiation also functions in groups to form different types of tissues, such as muscle tissue or nerve tissue. Through the process of differentiation, cells transform into specialized types that collaborate and organize together to form these distinct tissues.