The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires the specialized features of a pigmented cell, such as a melanocyte. [ GOC:dgh ]
Synonyms: chromatophore differentiation pigmented cell differentiation
Term information
Note that the chromatophore mentioned here is distinct from the pigment bearing structure found in certain photosynthetic bacteria and cyanobacteria. It is also different from the plant chromoplast, which is also sometimes called a chromatophore.
Term relations
- cell differentiation
- results in acquisition of features of some pigment cell
- part of some developmental pigmentation