ABSTRACT
In multicellular organisms, the maturation of distinct cell lineages yields differentiated cell and tissue types capable of performing specialized functions. The study of differentiating cell systems allows an opportunity to correlate changes in gene expression with changes in cell structure and function. Indeed, the characteristics of any given cell ultimately are a reflection and manifestation of its underlying structure and organization. The specification and development of cell shape and structure, a process referred to as morphogenesis, is therefore a critical feature of cellular differentiation. The vertebrate erythrocyte has provided an excellent model system for the study of gene expression and morphogenesis in the development of a specialized cell.
