Differentiation Dedifferentiation And Redifferentiation: Examples, Types

What Is Differentiation?

Differentiation is among the most important processes in development and tissue function. Differentiation is the process whereby a cell becomes specialised in structure and function to allow it to perform specific roles within the organism.

Key Mechanisms

Gene Expression: Differentiation is the result of differential expression of particular genes regulated by many factors, including transcription factors.

Transcription Factors and Signaling Pathways: Known key transcription factors and signalling pathways, such as Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog, are central in directing cells toward their specialised states.

Examples Of Differentiated Cells

• Neurons, specialised for signal transmission.

• Muscle cells, specialised for contraction and movement.

• Red Blood Cells, specialised for oxygen transport.

What Is Dedifferentiation?

Dedifferentiation is the process by which highly specialised cells can be induced to become more primitive. Dedifferentiation refers to the process whereby already specialised cells become more primitive and non-specialised, often for purposes of regeneration or repair.

Mechanisms

Gene Expression: It is accompanied by a significant change in gene expression with the potential loss of specialised functions and a gain in cellular plasticity.

Biological Significance

This is important in tissue regeneration and healing in some animals and plants.

Examples

• Salamander Limb Regeneration: In salamanders, limb regeneration occurs through the dedifferentiation of cells at the injury site.

• Plant Cells: Plant cells can dedifferentiate to form callus tissue that later differentiates into a variety of cell types.

What Is Redifferentiation?

Redifferentiation is the process by which, after getting dedifferentiated, cells again become specialised and acquire specialised functions.

Mechanisms

Gene Re-expression: Redifferentiation is the process by which some genes are again expressed, and some signalling pathways are re-activated to lead the cells into their new specialised states.

Biological Significance

Medical and Agricultural Importance: The process is of key importance in regenerative medicine and plant tissue culture in that it allows for the formation of specialised tissues from stem cells or any form of dedifferentiated cells.

Examples

• Tissue Engineering: In tissue engineering, redifferentiation allows for the creation of specialised tissues for medical applications.

• Plant Callus Culture: In plant biotechnology, callus tissue can be redifferentiated to regenerate plants or particular tissues as a whole.

Interrelationship Between the Three Processes

These processes are interrelated and essential for development and repair.

Cyclic Nature

Differentiation, dedifferentiation, and redifferentiation denote the cycling nature of these three processes through which cells can adapt and respond to various physiological needs.

Role In Development And Regeneration

These events of development and tissue maintenance and regeneration of organisms provide an outcome where cells will be able to specialise, dedifferentiate when required, and again specialise.

Applications in Agriculture & Biotechnology

Such knowledge offers quite several practical applications.

Regenerative Medicine

Stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells are used in regenerative medicine for the repair of damaged tissues by differentiating into requisite cell types.

Cancer Research

One of the important factors in understanding dedifferentiation in cancer cells is that cancer cells tend to dedifferentiate to achieve proliferative advantage coupled with survival advantage. Thus, understanding dedifferentiation helps devise better treatment strategies.

Plant Biotechnology

In plant tissue culture, dedifferentiation and redifferentiation are used to obtain plants from callus tissue, so that traits can be genetically modified and propagated.

Differentiation vs Dedifferentiation vs Redifferentiation (Comparison Table)

Difference between differentiation, dedifferentiation and redifferentiation is included in the table below:

Differentiation, Differentiation and Redifferentiation NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important topics for NEET are:

• Mechanism of differentiation, dedifferentiation, redifferentiation

• Differentiation vs Dedifferentiation vs Redifferentiation

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. An example of dedifferentiating cells is

1. Tracheary elements

2. Shoot apex

3. Root apex

4. Interfascicular cambium

Correct answer: 4) Interfascicular cambium

Explanation:

The cambium that lies between the principal xylem and primary phloem vascular bundles is known as the interfascicular cambium.
The secondary meristems are formed by it.
The interfascicular cambium is formed by the differentiation and the medullary ray parenchyma cells become meristematic.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Interfascicular cambium.

Q2. Regarding the catalytic cycle of an enzyme action, select the correct sequential steps:

A. Substrate enzyme complex formation.
B. Free enzyme ready to bind with another substrate.
C. Release of products.
D. Chemical bonds of the substrate are broken.
E. Substrate binding to the active site.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. E, A, D, C, B

2. E, B, A, D, C

3. A, B, C, D, E

4. E, A, D, B, C

Correct answer: 1) E, A, D, C, B

Explanation:

The catalytic cycle of enzyme action can be described in the following steps.

(1) First, the substrate binds to the active site of the enzyme, fitting into the active site.
(2) The binding of the substrate induces the enzyme to alter its shape, fitting more tightly around the substrate.
(3) The active site of the enzyme, now close to the substrate, breaks the chemical bonds of the substrate, and the new enzyme-product complex is formed.
(4) The enzyme releases the products of the reaction, and the free enzyme is ready to bind to another molecule of the substrate and run through the catalytic cycle once again.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1, which is E, A, D, C, B.

Q3. Lignocellulosic secondary cell walls can not be formed by which of the following process

1. Differentiation process

2. Dedifferentiation process

3. Redifferentiation

4. Both a and c

Correct answer: 3) Redifferentiation

Explanation:

In addition to producing lignocellulosic secondary cell walls, which are strong, elastic, and capable of transporting water over long distances, cells undergo some substantial structural changes during differentiation.

Various structural changes to the protoplasm and cell wall take place during the differentiation stages. For instance, to form a tracheary element, the cell can shed its protoplasm. Additionally, they develop a lignocellulosic cell wall that is incredibly tough, elastic, and resilient to transport minerals and water in challenging conditions.

Redifferentiation is the reversal of the capacity for cell division in differentiated cells. It makes it possible for the plant body to include differentiated cells that are functionally specialized.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Redifferentiation.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Differentiation, Dedifferentiation, Redifferentiation

• Auxins: The Plant Growth Hormone

• Difference between Photoperiodism and Vernalisation

Recommended Video On 'Differentiation Dedifferentiation Redifferentiation'