Polarized monolayer - (Mar/24/2008 )

I want to know what is the meaning of polarized monolayer of cells.
Also what is the different between polarized cells and non-polarized cells?
Is it related to some conditions?

(I do not know deeply in cell culture@@)
thanks

-peggybee1-

QUOTE (peggybee1 @ Mar 24 2008, 05:19 PM)

fully differentiated epithelial cells are normally polarized which means they have an apical, lateral and basal membrane; each membrane has a special set of membrane proteins and fulfil special tasks

-The Bearer-

QUOTE (The Bearer @ Mar 27 2008, 10:52 AM)

QUOTE (peggybee1 @ Mar 24 2008, 05:19 PM)

fully differentiated epithelial cells are normally polarized which means they have an apical, lateral and basal membrane; each membrane has a special set of membrane proteins and fulfil special tasks

what are the functions for the non-polarized cells?
thanks alot

-peggybee1-

QUOTE (peggybee1 @ Mar 27 2008, 11:38 PM)

QUOTE (The Bearer @ Mar 27 2008, 10:52 AM)

QUOTE (peggybee1 @ Mar 24 2008, 05:19 PM)

fully differentiated epithelial cells are normally polarized which means they have an apical, lateral and basal membrane; each membrane has a special set of membrane proteins and fulfil special tasks

what are the functions for the non-polarized cells?
thanks alot

others than epithelial cells are not polarized;

epithelial cells can be non-polarized if non- or dedifferentiated and depends on state of development; during apoptosis, epithelial cells lose polarity

-The Bearer-