stem cells and speciation Flashcards
(14 cards)
What are stem cells?
Undifferentiated cells that can divide by mitosis and differentiate into different types of cells.
What are totipotent stem cells?
Can differentiate into any cell (placenta cells).
Where are totipotent stem cells found?
Mammalian embryos.
What are pluripotent stem cells?
They can differentiate into almost any cell.
Where are pluripotent stem cells found?
Embryos.
What are multipotent stem cells?
Can differentiate into few types of specialised cells.
Where are multipotent stem cells found?
Mature mammals - bone marrow.
What are unipotent stem cells?
Can only differentiate into one type of cell.
Where are unipotent stem cells found?
Mature mammals.
What are induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS)?
Pluripotent stem cells produced from unipotent stem cells.
How are induced pluripotent stem cells made to be pluripotent?
Transcription factors.
What are transcription factors?
Bring about the transcription of a gene and inhibits other genes.
What can induced pluripotent stem cells develop into?
A wide range of tissues.
What can induced pluripotent stem cells be used for?
Treatment for some diseases.
