Ace AQA AS Biology 2025 – Dive In and Discover Your Inner Biologist!

Cellular differentiation refers to the process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type. This is fundamental in multicellular organisms, allowing for the development of various types of cells that have distinct roles and functions. As cells differentiate, they undergo changes in gene expression that lead to the development of specialized structures and functions suited to their specific roles in the body.

For example, during differentiation, a stem cell may become a nerve cell, muscle cell, or any other specialized cell type, each with unique properties that contribute to the overall functioning of the organism. This process enables complex organisms to perform various physiological functions through the collaboration of different specialized cells, such as muscle cells for movement and neurons for signal transmission.

The other options do not accurately reflect the concept of cellular differentiation. Producing identical cells would imply cloning without specialization, decreased complexity would contradict the need for specialized functions, and a reduction of cell types would not align with the outcomes observed in multicellular development, where diversity in cell types is crucial for complex biological systems. Thus, the creation of specialized cells for distinct functions is indeed the result of cellular differentiation.