1.4 Criteria Flashcards
Define differentiation:
The process where cells express only certain genes to produce protein characteristics for that type of cell.
Cells can only carry out their specalised functions after they have done what?
Differentiated
What are the regions of unspecailised cells in plants called?
Meristems
What are the unspecalised cells in animals called?
Stem cells
What are the two categories of stem cells?
- tissue (adult)
- Embryonic
Embryonic stem cells are described as being ‘pluripotent’, what does that mean?
They can differentiate into all cell types.
What are pluripotent cells able to switch on?
Genes
Tissue stem cells are described as being ‘Multipotent’ what does this mean?
They can only differentiate into the types of cells found in a particular tissue type
What are multipotent stem cells involved in?
Growth, repair and renewal of cells in a particular tissue
What are the therapeutic uses of stem cells?
To repair damaged or diseased organs or tissues
What are two examples of therapeutic uses of stem cells?
Corneal repair and the regeneration of damaged skin
Under the right conditions in the lab what can be done with stem cells?
They can be cultured
What is the uses of stem cells in research?
Using them as model cells allows the study of disease and development and drug testing
What does researching stem cells provide?
Information on cell processes including growth, differentiation and gene regulation
What is an ethical issue in the use of embryonic stem cells?
It involves the destruction of embryos
