Final answer:
Cell specialization is characteristic of multicellular organisms, allowing for efficient performance of complex bodily functions through specialized cells organized into tissues, organs, and systems. This process of differentiation and organization is guided by the developmental instructions shared by the cells of an organism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cell specialization is a characteristic of multicellular organisms. In such organisms, specialization allows cells to become more efficient at performing specific functions. This efficiency is exemplified in the different organ systems that animals have developed, such as the circulatory and respiratory systems, which are composed of specialized cells that conduct specific tasks. For instance, circulatory systems are specialized to transport nutrients and remove waste from the body whereas respiratory systems are specialized for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Complex multicellularity requires more than just producing different cell types; it also involves organizing these cells into three-dimensional structures to form tissues, which then create organs, and ultimately, a full organism. Through a developmental process, a multicellular organism coordinates which types of cells are produced, where they are placed, and how much they expand, establishing precise patterns and structures. It is important to note that, although the cells in multicellular organisms share the same genetic makeup, they differentiate into various types based on the specific instructions they receive during development.