20.2 - Stem Cells Flashcards
What 'stem cells' are The different types of stem cells Where stem cells are found in living organisms How stem cells can be used in research and medicine
What are stem cells?
Undifferentiated cells that can develop into other cell types
What are the two key features of stem cells?
- Can divide by mitosis to produce more undifferentiated cells
- Can differentiate into specialised cells
What are the four key types of stem cells?
- Totipotent stem cells
- Pluripotent stem cells
- Multipotent stem cells
- Unipotent stem cells
What are totipotent stem cells?
Can differentiate into any cell type
What are pluripotent stem cells?
Can differentiate into most cell types
What are multipotent stem cells?
Can differentiate into a few cell types
What are unipotent stem cells?
Can differentiate into one cell type
When are embryonic stem cells found?
Early embryo development (1st few days)
What potency are embryonic stem cells in early divisions?
Totipotent
What potency are embryonic stem cells after 7 days?
Pluripotent
Where are adult stem cells found?
Adult tissues
What potency are adult stem cells?
Multipotent or unipotent
Where are plant stem cells found?
Meristematic tissue (meristems)
What potency are plant stem cells?
Pluripotent
What is the potential of stem cells in research and medicine?
Treat diseases by replacing faulty cells
What are examples of diseases stem cells could treat?
Parkinson’s
What are other uses of stem cells?
Testing drugs
What are induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells)?
Adult stem cells genetically altered to acquire characteristics of embryonic stem cells
What are the advantages of iPS cells?
- They can self-renew indefinitely
- They can differentiate into various cell types
- They avoid ethical issues associated with using embryonic stem cells
- They could provide an unlimited source of stem cells for research and medical treatments
