KA1 Cell Differentiation Flashcards
How are stem cells used in research?
They are used as model cells to study how diseases develop or being used for drug testing.
What are embryonic stem cells?
Cells that are found in the early embryo and are pluripotent, meaning all genes can be switched on so the cell can differentiate into all the cell types that make up the individual.
Why are cancer cells different to normal cells?
They are different because they continue to divide excessively as they don’t respond to regulatory signals that would instruct to stop dividing. This is known as uncontrolled cell division.
What is a stem cell?
A stem cell is an unspecialised cell that can self renew, make copies of themselves and differentiate, become a specialised cell.
What is a somatic cell?
A somatic cell is any cell in the body other than cells involved in reproduction.
How do germline cells divide?
Germline cells can divide by mitosis and meiosis.
What are the 4 basic types of body tissue formed by somatic cell?
Connective tissue (formed by blood, bone and cartilage cells)
~Muscle tissue (formed by muscle cells)
~Epithelium tissue (formed by epithelial cells)
~Nervous tissue (formed by nerve cells)
Where are germline cells found?
They are found in the ovaries and testes.
Why do germline cells divide by meiosis?
They divide by meiosis to produce haploid gametes. Four haploid gametes are produced which are genetically different.
What does the therapeutic use of stem cells involves?
It involves the regeneration of damaged skin and corneal repair.
What can the uncontrolled cell division of cancer cells lead to?
It can lead to a mass of abnormal cells called a tumour.
What are germline cells?
Germline cells are gametes ( sperm & ova) and the stem cells that divide to form them.
How are secondary tumours formed?
They are formed when cells within a tumour fail to attach to each other, spreading through the body, where they may form a secondary tumour.
Why are there ethical issues surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells?
It involves the destruction of an embryo which is the start of life and it should not be harmed.
What are adult tissue stem cells?
Tissue stem cells are involved in the growth, repair and renewal of the cells are multi potent, meaning they can only become cells belonging to the same tissue.
