6. Stem Cells Flashcards
What is cell differentiation?
Process by which a less specialised cell becomes a more specialised cell type
Why are cells in different tissues different from one another?
They express different genes
What makes stem cells different from other cells in the body?
Self-renewal
Differentiation
What are stem cells?
Undifferentiated cells that divide and give rise to cells that differentiate into specialised cells
What is a niche?
Microenvironment around stem cells that provides support and signals regulating self-renewal and differentiation
- Direct contact
- Soluble factors
- Intermediate cell
Where are stem cells found?
Embryonic
Induced pluripotent
Tissue stem cells
What is potency?
A measure of how many types of specialised cell a stem cell can make
Multi, pluri, toti
Where are embryonic stem cells found?
Inner cell mass of the blastocyst
What are the advantages of induced pluripotent stem cells?
No need for embryos
Genetically identical
What are the disadvantages of induced pluripotent stem cells?
Large numbers of somatic cells needed
Long term studies still required
What is reproductive cloning?
Live birth
2 identical individuals
Adult cell, egg with nucleus removed, fused by electricity
What is therapeutic cloning?
Make patient-specific cell lines isolated from an embryo
Nuclear material is transferred from an adult cell into an egg with no nucleus
What are the applications of stem cells?
Regenerative medicine
Drug testing and screening
Study disease processes
