unit 1 key area 4 Flashcards
(21 cards)
what is cellular differentiation
the process by which a cell expresses certain genes to produce proteins characteristic for that type of cell. This allows a cell to carry out
specialised functions.
what is the definition of differentiation
when unspecialised cells become specialised
what happens during differentiation
genes that control features of specific cells are switched on and unnecessary genes for that specific cell type are switched off
what is a stem cell
unspecialised cells in animals that can self renew and/or differentiate for growth and repair
what are the two types of stem cell
embryonic and tissue
what is an embryonic stem cell
can differentiate into all the cell types that make up an organism
how is an embryonic stem cell described
pluripotent
where is an embryonic stem cell found
in the very early embryo (blastocysts)
what is a tissue stem cell
involved in the growth repair and renewal of the cells found in that tissue
how are tissue stem cells described
multipotent
where are tissue stem cells found
specific areas of the body e.g. bone marrow or skin
where is growth restricted to in multicellular plants
meristems
what is a meristem
region of unspecialised cells in plants which can self renew or differentiate
where are meristems found
root tip or shoot tip
what does stem cell research provide info on
how cell processes such as cell growth, differentiation and gene regulation work
why are stem cells used as model cells
to study how diseases develop or for drug testing
what does the therapeutic uses of stem cells involve
the repair of damaged or diseased organs and tissues
what are the current therapeutic uses of stem cells
corneal transplants to repair a damaged eye
skin grafts to treat burns
what are potential future therapeutic uses of stem cells
treat a range of degenerative conditions e.g. Alzheimer’s or parkingsons
what are the ethics for using embryonic stem cells
offers effective treatment for many diseases
embryos not used in IVF are destroyed anyway
what are the ethics against embryonic stem cells
involves the destruction of an embryo
destruction of a potential life
