A cell type is a classification used to distinguish between morphologically or phenotypically distinct cell forms within a species. A multicellular organism may contain a number of widely differing and specialised cell types, such as muscle cells and skin cells in humans, that differ both in appearance and function yet are genetically identical. Cells are able to be of the same genotype, but different cell type due to the differential regulation of the genes they contain. Classification of a specific cell types is often done through the use of microscopy and the analysis of molecules on the cell surface (such as those from the cluster of differentiation family that are commonly used for this purpose in immunology).
Read more about Cell Type: Single-celled Organisms, Multicellular Organisms, Humans
Famous quotes containing the words cell and/or type:
“Let man consider what he is in comparison with all existence; let him regard himself as lost in this remote corner of nature; and from the little cell in which he finds himself lodged, I mean the universe, let him estimate at their true value the earth, kingdoms, cities, and himself. What is a man in the infinite?”
—Blaise Pascal (1623–1662)
“Chicago—is—oh well a façade of skyscrapers facing a lake, and behind the façade every type of dubiousness.”
—E.M. (Edward Morgan)