cell lineage

The sequence of cells, produced by cell division and cytological changes, that results in the formation of differentiated cells with a specific function. For example, the germ cells in flowering plants are produced by the sequence of changes, commencing with undifferentiated cells in the anthers and nucellus respectively, that produce the microspores (pollen grains) and megaspores (embryo sacs) and eventually the male and female gametes.