OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What is the result of a cell undergoing differentiation?

1. The cell becomes a gamete

2. The cell develops into a specialized function

3. The cell divides into two identical cells

4. The cell loses its organelles

The correct answer is: The cell develops into a specialized function

Differentiation is a biological process where a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type, acquiring specific functions and characteristics that enable it to perform distinct tasks in the body. When a cell undergoes differentiation, it begins to express genes that are characteristic of a particular cell type, such as a muscle cell, nerve cell, or blood cell. This specialization allows it to contribute effectively to the overall functioning of an organism. For example, a stem cell, which is relatively undifferentiated and can become various types of cells, might differentiate into a neuron. The neuron will then have unique structures such as dendrites and axons, enabling it to transmit nerve impulses, which is a specialized function not performed by all cell types. In contrast, the other options refer to different cellular processes. The formation of gametes involves a type of cell division called meiosis, which is not the focus of differentiation. The process of cell division into two identical cells is known as mitosis and pertains to growth and reproduction rather than specialization. Lastly, while some cells may lose certain organelles as they differentiate, the loss of organelles is not a defining outcome of differentiation itself; rather, it is a potential characteristic depending on the type of specialized cell being formed