1.4 cellular differentiation Flashcards
Cellular differentiation definition
The process by which unspecialised stem cells express certain genes in order to produce proteins to become a specialised cell.
Why are genes switched off
To prevent unnecessary waste of energy
What does genes being switched off mean
If genes are switched off then they aren’t being expressed, meaning they aren’t being transcribed and translated and the proteins they code for aren’t being produced.
What does genes being switched on mean
If genes are switched on then they are expressed therefore they are transcribed and translated and the proteins they code for are being produced to fulfill the function of the cell.
Different types of stem cells
Adult tissue
Embryonic
What are meristems
Regions of a plant which produce unspecialised cells which can undergo cellular differentiation to produce specialised cells and self renewal to produce more cells of the same type.
Meristems different types
Apical and lateral
Adult tissue stem cells
Stem cells which are multi potent meaning they can only differentiate into cells which are in the type of tissue that the stem cells are found in.
Embryonic stem cells
Stem cells which have pluripotent differentiating capabilities, meaning they can differentiate into any type of cell that an organism has.
Apical meristems
Meristems found at the tip of the plant at roots and shoots, which branch off the plant’s main stem and increase the plant length.
Lateral meristems
Meristems which are found underground at the base of the plant which increase the thickness of stem of the plant for structure and support.
Stem cell uses
Growth
Repair
Renewal
Self renewal definition
Where a stem cell undergoes mitosis to divide and form more of the same type of cells.
Stem cell definition
Unspecialised cells which undergo self renewal to produce more stem cell or undergo differentiation to produce specialised cells.
How many genes are found in each cell
All of them
