What is the significance of cell differentiation in tissue function?
Cell differentiation is the process by which a cell becomes specialized to perform a specific function. This is essential for the formation of various tissues and organs. For example, stem cells in the bone marrow differentiate into different types of blood cells, each with a unique role in immune response, oxygen transport, or clotting. The precise regulation of gene expression during differentiation ensures that cells develop the characteristics required for their specific physiological roles.