How do embryonic stem cells differentiate?

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they are able to grow (i.e. differentiate) into all derivatives of the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. Embryonic stem cells are distinguished by two distinctive properties: their pluripotency, and their ability to replicate indefinitely.

What is embryonic and differentiation induction?

Embryonic induction establishes a temporally and spatially dynamic area of developmental potency – a morphogenetic field. The final arrangement and differentiation of cell types within the field emerge from subsequent interactions occurring primarily within the field.

What is cell differentiation in pregnancy?

During the third week after fertilization, the embryo begins to undergo cellular differentiation. Differentiation is the process by which unspecialized cells become specialized. As illustrated in Figure below, differentiation occurs as certain genes are expressed (“switched on”) while other genes are switched off.

What causes embryonic induction?

Lateral mesoderm causes overlying ectoderm to differentiate as skin. The influence exercised by parts of the embryo, which causes groups of cells to proceed along a particular path of development, is called embryonic induction.

What is the process of embryo development?

In developmental biology, embryonic development, also known as embryogenesis, is the development of an animal or plant embryo. Embryonic development starts with the fertilization of an egg cell (ovum) by a sperm cell, (spermatozoon). Once fertilized, the ovum becomes a single diploid cell known as a zygote.

What is an example of cell differentiation?

Examples of differentiated cell types in the human body include neurons, the cells lining the intestine, and the macrophages that gobble up bacterial invaders in the immune system. Each differentiated cell type has a specific gene expression pattern that it maintains stably.

Why is the process of embryonic differentiation important?

The process of embryonic differentiation is crucial to proper animal development. The processes involved in embryonic differentiation continue to be explored and have relevance to studies involving embryonic stem cells and in vitro cell differentiation.

When does the differentiation of cells take place?

However, during early embryonic development, the embryo does not yet possess these varied cells; this is where embryonic differentiation comes into play. The differentiation of cells during embryogenesis is the key to cell, tissue, organ, and organism identity. Once an egg is fertilized by a sperm, a zygote is formed.

What is the process of differentiation in animals?

Embryonic differentiation is the process of development during which embryonic cells specialize and diverse tissue structures arise.

Where does the blueprint for differentiation come from?

Every cell contains DNA within the nucleus, containing the blueprint to build many different proteins in the cell. Different signals can cause embryonic cells to select specific parts of the DNA which can then be used to synthesize proteins, eventually building different cell types.