Practice question

Compensatory regeneration differs by preserving differentiated cell function while restoring mass. Hepatocytes after partial hepatectomy divide without losing albumin synthesis, detoxification, polarity, contrasting epimorphosis where muscle fragments dedifferentiate losing contractile proteins, or morphallaxis involving transdifferentiation. Therefore compensatory type does not require dedifferentiation or reversion to progenitor state, whereas epimorphic and some stem-cell mediated events involve extensive dedifferentiation or stem activation. Similarly pancreatic beta compensation also maintains insulin secretion. Hence absence of dedifferentiation requirement defines compensatory mechanism as proliferation of functional differentiated cells to restore organ size.