Cellular Differentiation Flashcards

1
Q

What is differentiation?

A

The process by which a cell expresses certain genes to produce proteins characteristic for that type of cell.

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2
Q

What is the end result of differentiation?

A

Specialised cells

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3
Q

Name the region of unspecialised cells in plant.

A

meristems

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4
Q

State two characteristics of meristems.

A

they can divide (self-renew) and/or differentiate

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5
Q

What name is given to unspecialised cells that can divide and/or differentiate in animals?

A

stem cells

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6
Q

What can embryonic stem cells differentiate into?

A

all types of cell that make the organism

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7
Q

What name is given to this potential? (to become any type of cell)

A

pluripotent

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8
Q

How many of the genes in an embryonic stem cell can be switched on?

A

all of them

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9
Q

What term is used to describe the potential of tissue stem cells?

A

multipotent

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10
Q

What do we call the process by which a cell expresses certain genes to produce proteins characteristic for that type of cell?

A

Differentiation

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11
Q

What can tissue stem cells differentiate into?

A

All types of cell found in that particular tissue.

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12
Q

What can blood stem cells located in the bone marrow differentiate into?

A

Any type of blood cell ONLY, nothing else

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13
Q

Give an example of a therapeutic use of stem cells.

A

corneal repair, skin graft

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14
Q

What does therapeutic mean?

A

Repair of damaged or diseased organs or tissues

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15
Q

State 3 ways stem cells can be used in research?

A
  1. study cell processes
  2. model cells to study disease
  3. model cells for drug testing
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16
Q

State 3 cell processes stem cells could be used to study.

A
  1. growth
  2. differentiation
  3. gene regulation
17
Q

What are the 2 main arguments when it comes to debating the ethical issues around the use of stem cells?

A
  1. embryonic stem cells can offer effective treatments for disease and injury
  2. it involves destruction of embryos
18
Q

State the possible location of adult/tissue stem cells.

A

brain, bone marrow, skin, muscle, adult tissue

19
Q

Give an example of a medical condition that could potentially be treated in the future using stem cells.

A

Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease

20
Q

How could stem cells be used to treat Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease?

A

The stem cells are differentiated into specific cells in a lab to replace the diseased tissue