dedifferentiation Biol.
(ˌdiːdɪfərɛnʃɪˈeɪʃən)
[ad. F. dédifférentiation (C. Champy): see de- II. 2.]
The loss or reversal of differentiation (see differentiation 1). Hence ˌdediffeˈrentiate v. intr., to undergo such a process; ˌdediffeˈrentiated ppl. a.
| 1917 Amer. Jrnl. Anat. XXII. 188 Dedifferentiation or return to a more embryonic condition probably underlies all types of regeneration. Ibid. 189 Champy..has maintained that most of the cells in the body dedifferentiate in tissue culture. 1926 Glasgow Herald 18 Sept. 4 A good example of the dedifferentiated inert state of suspended animation is the ‘brown body’ of some of the moss-animals. 1926 J. S. Huxley Ess. Pop. Sci. 80 The sea squirt..can in unfavourable surroundings de-differentiate, or revert to an embryonic state. 1960 New Biol. XXXI. 90 Tissue cells undergo an apparent de-differentiation to form the young regenerate or the bud. |