1.4 Cellular Differentiation Flashcards
Describe differentiation?
the process by which an unspecialised cell develops more specialised functions by expressing the genes characteristic for that type of cell.
What are the three types of unspecialised cells?
- Meristem
- Embryonic stem cell
- Tissue stem cell
Meristems are found in which type of organism?
Plants
What are meristems
Regions of unspecialised cells in plants
What can meristems do?
- Self-renew
- Differentiate
Are meristems a type of stem cell
No meristem are a type of unspecialised cell
Describe what an embryonic stem cell is
Cells in the very early embryo can differentiate into all the cell types that make up the organism
Can embryonic stem cells express all their genes?
Yes. All genes present in the embryonic stem cell’s DNA can be switched on/off (expressed) if needed
Embryonic stems cells can differentiate into any cell type, this is called?
Pluripotent
Embryonic stem cells are able to?
- Self-renew
- Differentiate
What are tissue stem cells involved in?
- Growth of cell
- Repair of cell
- Renewal of cell
Can tissue stem cells differentiate into all types of cell?
No. They can differentiate into all of the types of cell found in a particular tissue type
Tissue stem cells are known as multipotent. What does this mean?
They can differentiate into all of the types of cell found in a particular tissue type
Tissue stem cells are able to?
- Self-renew
- Differentiate
Tissue stem cells in the bone marrow can differentiate into?
All types of blood cell
Therapeutic uses of stem cells include?
- Used to grow new skin cells to treat burns victims.
- Used to repair damage to corneas by transplanting from undamaged eye.
Research uses of stem cells include?
- Used as model cells to study how diseases develop.
- Used for drug testing
What are the ethical arguments for and against using embryonic stem cell?
For = Use of embryonic stem cells can offer effective treatments for disease and injury.
Against = It involves destruction of embryos.
