Final answer:
Immature cells, specifically those in the immune system such as T lymphocytes and B cells, mature by differentiation, which involves changes in shape, function, and genetic expression. The maturation process ensures these cells function effectively in the organism, but some may also enter a dormant state, die programmatically, or, if deregulated, cause tumors and cancers.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the maturation of cells, such as immune cells originating from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, several changes occur. In the case of T lymphocytes, they are produced in the red bone marrow and move to the thymus where maturation is completed. Here, they undergo processes like positive and negative selection to ensure self-tolerance and the capacity to fight off pathogens. Differentiation is key in this process, leading cells to express unique genetic information that allows them to fulfill distinct functions.
For example, B cells mature within the bone marrow, whereas T cells mature in the thymus. Both types of cells are crucial components of the adaptive immune system. However, not all processes tied to cell maturation are constructive; cells may also enter senescence, commit programmed cell death, or in deregulated situations, lead to tumors and cancers.