Final answer:
Osteogenic cells are stem cells that differentiate into osteoblasts, which then produce and mineralize bone matrix. Osteoblasts are responsible for bone formation and, once they become surrounded by the bone matrix, they differentiate into osteocytes, which are the primary cells in mature bone.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteogenic cells are undifferentiated stem cells found in the deep layers of the periosteum and the marrow with high mitotic activity. They are the only bone cells that can divide and are crucial for the continuous replacement and repair of bone tissue. When they divide, they differentiate and develop into osteoblasts.
Osteoblasts are bone cells with a single nucleus that are primarily responsible for bone formation. They produce a protein mixture mainly composed of collagen, which forms the organic part of the bone matrix. In addition, they aid in mineralizing the matrix by releasing calcium and phosphate ions that form mineral crystals. The enzyme alkaline phosphatase in osteoblast cell membranes is critical for releasing phosphate ions to aid in mineralization. Once osteoblasts are surrounded by the bone matrix they secreted, they differentiate into osteocytes, the primary cell found in mature bone that maintains the mineral concentration of the matrix.