Unit 5: Cell Differentiation & Stem Cells Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is differential gene expression?
The process by which cells with the same DNA become different by expressing different sets of genes, controlled by regulatory transcription factors.
What is the role of MyoD in muscle differentiation?
MyoD is a master regulatory transcription factor required and sufficient for muscle cell fate
Define multipotent & pluripotent
Multipotent: A stem cell that can differentiate into a limited range of cell types (e.g., adult stem cells)
Pluripotent: A stem cell that can give rise to cells from all three germ layers
What is a stem cell niche?
The microenvironment that regulates stem cell behavior and fate
What is dedifferentiation & transdifferenciation?
Dedifferentiation: When a mature, specialized cell reverts to a more stem-like state
Transdifferentiation: When a differentiated cell transforms into another type of differentiated cell without becoming a stem cell first
What is SCNT?
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer; transferring a nucleus into an enucleated egg for cloning
What are iPSCs?
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells; adult cells reprogrammed to a pluripotent state
Which model suggests cell fate is predetermined with little flexibility?
Mosaic model
Which development model allows for compensation and adjustment in cell fate?
Regulative model
Place the following in order: Determined, Specified, Differentiated
1.Specified → 2. Determined → 3. Differentiated
What are key characteristics of red blood cells?
Lose their nucleus, have a biconcave shape, and contain hemoglobin
What do neutrophils contain and how is their nucleus shaped?
Secretory granules and a multilobed nucleus
What are Pax3 and Pax7 involved in?
Myoblast commitment during muscle differentiation
What is the sequence of muscle cell development?
Somites → Myoblasts → Myotubes → Muscle Fibers
Where are satellite cells found and what is their role?
In the niche near muscle fibers; they act as muscle stem cells for regeneration
Match the stem cell type with its property:
* Hematopoietic Stem Cells
* Adult Stem Cells
* Embryonic Stem Cells
* Mouse epiSCs
* iPSCs
- Hematopoietic: Blood precursors in bone marrow
- ASCs: Multipotent, tissue-specific
- ESCs: Pluripotent, from Inner Cell Mass
- Mouse epiSCs: Pluripotent but can’t form chimeras
- iPSCs: Adult cells reprogrammed to pluripotent state
Which factors are needed to culture human ESCs?
FGF and Nodal
What does genomic equivalence mean?
All somatic cells retain the full genome, regardless of cell type
What does SCNT involve?
Transferring a nucleus into an enucleated egg; used in cloning
What is a major con of using embryonic stem cells?
Tumor risk, ethical concerns, and potential immune rejection
What is an advantage of using adult stem cells (ASCs)?
No immune rejection if taken from the same individual
