What is the process of eukaryotic cell specialization called?

The process of eukaryotic cell specialization is called differentiation. This is a critical biological process whereby unspecialized cells, such as stem cells, undergo changes that lead to the development of specific cell types with distinct functions. During differentiation, cells express different sets of genes, allowing them to acquire specialized structures and functions necessary for their roles in an organism.

For instance, during embryonic development, cells differentiate into various types such as muscle cells, nerve cells, and blood cells, each with unique characteristics and capabilities that contribute to the organism's overall function. Differentiation is essential for the development and homeostasis of multicellular organisms, enabling complex systems of tissues and organs to form.

The other processes mentioned, such as division and replication, refer to cell division and the copying of genetic material, respectively, and do not specifically pertain to the specialization of cell types. Transformation generally refers to the change of one cell type to another or the introduction of foreign DNA into a cell, which also does not accurately describe the process of eukaryotic cell specialization.