Terminal differentiation refers to the process by which a precursor or progenitor cell transitions into a fully mature cell type that has specific functions and characteristics. This process often results in the cell losing its ability to divide and contribute to further differentiation.
Several cell types can undergo terminal differentiation, including:
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Neurons: Neural progenitor cells eventually differentiate into mature neurons, which have specialized functions in transmitting signals within the nervous system.
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Muscle cells: Myoblasts, which are the precursors of muscle cells, undergo terminal differentiation to become myofibers (or muscle fibers), which are specialized for contraction.
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Epithelial cells: Keratinocytes in the skin undergo terminal differentiation to form the outermost layer of the skin, where they lose their nuclei and cytoplasmic organelles to become keratinized cells.
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Blood cells: Hematopoietic stem cells differentiate into various types of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, each of which undergoes terminal differentiation.
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Adipocytes: Pre-adipocytes undergo terminal differentiation to become mature adipocytes, which are specialized for storing energy in the form of fat.
These processes are crucial for normal development and maintenance of tissues and organ systems in multicellular organisms.
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