Which statement describes differentiation in cellular biology?

• A. Process of cell division
• B. Process of rapid growth
• C. Process in which cells become specialized in structure and function
• D. Process of apoptosis

Answer: (C)

Differentiation is the process by which cells acquire a specialized identity, changing their structure and function to perform a specific role. In development, stem or progenitor cells receive signals that activate particular gene programs, guiding them to become distinct cell types with unique shapes and proteins. That specialization underpins how tissues function, such as neurons forming networks or muscle cells enabling contraction. This is different from simply making more cells through division, or increasing size, or undergoing programmed cell death.