B2.3 Cell Specialisation

Question 1

Stem cells are cells that:

Answer 1

Retain the capacity to divide
Have the ability to differentiate along different pathway

Question 2

stem cell niche

Answer 2

location that the stem cells are present in high numbers

This is a result of proliferation, and they also demonstrate differentiation

E.g. Bone marrow, hair follicle

Question 3

type of stem cells

Answer 3

totipotent
pluripotent
multipotent
unipotent

Question 4

totipotent

Answer 4

Able to differentiate to _all cell types e.g., embryonic stem cells.

Question 5

pluripotent

Answer 5

Able to differentiate to almost all cell types but cannot produce a complete organism. e.g., embryonic stem cells.

Question 6

multipotent

Answer 6

Able to differentiate to limited cell types. e.g., adult bone marrow stem cells.

Question 7

unipotent

Answer 7

Can only form a single cell type. e.g., sperm cell

Question 8

Stem Cell Therapy

Answer 8

Stem cells can be used to replace damaged or diseased cells with healthy, functioning ones.

This process requires:
The use of biochemical solutions to trigger the differentiation of stem cells into the desired cell type

Surgical implantation of cells into the patient’s own tissue

Suppression of host immune system to prevent rejection of cells (if stem cells are from foreign source)

Careful monitoring of new cells to ensure they do not become cancerous

Question 9

stem cell therapies example

Answer 9

Stargardt’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease

Question 10

stargardt’s disease

Answer 10

An inherited form of juvenile macular degeneration that causes progressive vision loss to the point of blindness

Caused by a gene mutation that impairs energy transport in retinal, causing them to degenerate

Treated by replacing dead cells in the retina with functioning ones derived from stem cells

Question 11

parkinson’s disease

Answer 11

A degenerative disorder of the _central nervous system__caused by the death of _dopamine-secreting _ cells in the midbrain

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting signals involved in the production of smooth movements

Consequently, individuals with Parkinson’s disease typically exhibit tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement and postural instability

Treated by replacing dead nerve cells with living, dopamine-producing ones

Question 12

Other Therapeutic Examples

Answer 12

luekemia
diabetes

Question 13

luekemia

Answer 13

bone marrow transplants for cancer patients who are immuno-compromised as a result of chemotherapy

Question 14

diabetes

Answer 14

Replace non-functioning islet cells_with those capable of producing insulin in type I diabetics