Dedifferentiate (Verb)
Meaning
Lose specialization in form or function.
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Examples
- After an injury, the dedifferentiated cells were able to transform into various cell types to aid in the healing process.
- The plant cells began to dedifferentiate and lose their specialized roles to reform into callus tissue for regeneration.
- Cancerous tissues often undergo dedifferentiation, leading to loss of specific cellular functions.
- As the organism grew, some of the cells had to dedifferentiate to meet the changing demands of its development.
- In vitro experiments showed that adult cells could be made to dedifferentiate into a more primitive state, increasing their potential uses.