KA4: cellular differentiation Flashcards
cellular differentiation is the process by which a _____ expresses certain _____ to produce __________ for that type of cell.
cell
genes
characteristics
what does cellular differentiation allow cells to do?
carry out specialised functions
what are meristems?
they are regions of unspecialised cells in plants which can divide (self-renew) and/or differentiate
what are stem cells?
specialised cells in animals that can divide and or differentiate
how would you describe what embryonic stem cells can do?
Cells in the very early embryo can
differentiate into all the cell types that make
up the organism
why does multipotent mean?
when the cell can differentiate into all of the types of cell found in a particular tissue type. (tissue stem cells)
why are embryonic stem cells described as being pluripotent?
since they can differentiate into all cell types which make up the organism
what are tissue stem cells involved in?
growth, repair and renewal of the cells
found in that tissue
what does ‘switched on’ mean in terms of embryonic stem cells?
these types of cells can be switched on meaning they have the capability of differentiating into any cell type.
for example blood stem cells located in _____ ______ can give rise to ___ types of blood cell
bone marrow
all
Therapeutic uses involve the _______ of
damaged or diseased ______ or ________
repair
organs
tissues
name some examples of therapeutic uses of stem cells.
corneal repair
regeneration of damaged skin
name some examples of what stem cell research provides us with information about.
how cell processes such as cell growth,
differentiation and gene regulation work
how are stem cells used to study how diseases develop or used for drug testing?
they are used as model cells
stem cells can be used to figure out how diseases develop. name one.
parkinsons
alzheimers
motor neurone
diabetes
what is a downside to experimenting on embryonic stem cells?
it involves the destruction of an embryo
what treatments can be offered from using embryonic stem cells?
treatments for disease and injury
