6.5 Stem Cells Flashcards
What is the initial form of a cell called
A stem cell
What is a totipotent stem cell
A stem cell that can differentiate into ant type of cell so can form a whole organism
What is a pluripotent stem cell
A stem cell that can form any type of tissue but not form whole organisms
What is a multipotent stem cell
Stem cells that can only form a range of different cells within a certain type of tissue
What does potency mean
The ability of a cell to differentiate into different types of cells. The greater the number of cells it can differentiate to, the greater the potency
Where are all blood cells derived from
Stem cells in the bone marrow
What are neutrophils
A type of white blood cell that helps heal damaged tissue and resolve infection
What are two main types of animal stem cells
Embryonic stem cells and tissue stem cells
Where and when do embryonic stem cells develop
They are present at the very early stage of embryo development and are totipotent. After around 7 days when a mass of cells called a blastocyst has formed they are in the pluripotent state
Where and when do tissue stem cells develop
These cells are present throughout life from birth. They are found in specific areas such as bone marrow. They are multipotent, although there is growing evidence to show they can be artificially triggered to become pluripotent. They can also be harvested from the umbilical cord of newborn babies.
What are the advantages of obtaining stem cells from the umbilical cords of newborn babies
There is a plentiful supply of umbilical cords and that invasive surgery if not needed. These stem cells can be stored incase they are ever needed by the individual in the future
What is the source of stem cells in pants
Meristematic tissue
What diseases can potentially be treated using stem cells
Heart disease, type 1 diabetes, parkinson’s disease, alzheimer’s disease, macualr degeneration, birth defects and spinal injuries
