defining terms

Question 1

cell fate - define?

Answer 1

the future outcome of a cell/ tissue during development - what it will normally become

Question 2

commitment - define

Answer 2

process by which a cell’s developmental potential becomes progressively limited - occurs through specification (reversible) and determination (irreversible)

Question 3

specification - define?

Answer 3

reversible stage of commitment - a cell is directed toward a particular fate but can still be influenced by environmental factors

Question 4

determination - define?

Answer 4

irreversible stage of commitment - cell’s fate is fixed and it continues its developmental path regardless of external signals

Question 5

differentiation - define?

Answer 5

process where a cell undergoes molecular changes and limits is potential, leading toa more specialised cell type

Question 6

potential/ potency - define?

Answer 6

the range of cell types or tissues that a cell can give rise to - larger range means more potential

Question 7

list the two theories/ mechanisms on cell fate restriction during embryonic development

Answer 7

mosaic development
regulative development

Question 8

mosaic development - define?

Answer 8

information within a cell is inherited from a parental cell & guides its development autonomously regardless of environment

Question 9

regulative development - define?

Answer 9

cell’s fate and development are influenced by its surroundings & position – isn’t committed to a certain fate