Final answer:
Cell differentiation is the process through which groups of cells become committed to specific patterns of gene activity and become specialized, influenced by transcription factors which regulate gene expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Groups of cells gradually become committed to specific patterns of gene activity through the process of cell differentiation. This process involves unspecialized cells, like stem cells, becoming specialized to carry out distinct functions as the body develops. During differentiation, cells undergo major changes in size, shape, metabolic activity, and function, and this specialization is guided by the unique expression of genes.
Transcription factor proteins play a key role in this process, as they bind to DNA and regulate the transcription of genes, causing cells to specialize into diverse cell types with unique morphological and physiological characteristics.