Stem cells

Question 1

Define stem cells

Answer 1

Are unspecialised cells which are capable of:
Self renewal, can divide to replace themselves
Differentiate and develop into other types of cells

Question 2

What are the different types of stem cells `

Answer 2

Totipotent cells
Pluripotent cells
Multipotent cells
Unipotent cells

Question 3

Totipotent

Answer 3

Occur for a limited time in early mammalian embryos
Can divide and differentiate into every cell type in body

Question 4

Pluripotent

Answer 4

Found in embryos
Can divide and differentiate into most cell types

Question 5

Multipotent

Answer 5

Found in mature mammals
Can divide and differentiate into a limited number of cell types
e.g. multipotent cells in bone marrow can differentiate into different types of blood cells.

Question 6

Unipotent

Answer 6

Found in mature mammals
can divide and differentiate into just one cell type

e.g. cardiomyocytes can be made from unipotent stem cells.

Question 7

Stem cells in medicines

Answer 7

Regrow damaged tissues in accidents or by disease.
Can be used to make B cells of the pancreas in type 1 diabetes

Question 8

How are Induced pluripotent stem cells produced

Answer 8

Produced from adult somatic cells
Specific protein transcription factors associated woth pluripotency put into cells, causing the cell to express genes associated with pluripotency.
Cells are cultured
To produce Induced pluripotent

Question 9

Why are induced pluripotent stem cells used in medical treatment instead of embryonic stem cells

Answer 9

No immune rejection as its made for patients own cells
Can overcome ethical issues as no destruction of embryo.

Question 10

Use for embryonic stem cells

Answer 10

No pain felt
would otherwise be destroyed.
Can possibly end human suffering

Question 11

Use against Embryonic stem cells

Answer 11

Potential human; should be given rights
Induced pluripotent stem cells are not reliable
They could also multiply out of control and cause tumours