B2.3 Flashcards
State that a zygote is an _________________________________________________.
unspecialized cell produced from fertilization.
Outline the impact of chemical gradients on gene expression within an early-stage embryo.
The position within the embryo determines how it differentiates. Gradients of signaling chemicals called morphogens impact gene expression and as a result, differentiation of the cell. Morphogens control patterning during embryonic development to orchestrate the formation of tissues and organs.
Cells develop from __________ into ___________ states via ________.
unspecialized, specialized, differentiation
Cell specialization allows cells to perform a function with __________. Cells can develop into specific _____________. They can create proteins needed to carry out specific ______________.
increased efficiency, shapes and sizes, metabolic reactions
What is cell differentiation?
It is the development of specialized structures and functions in cells. It occurs when different cell types express different genes.
Morphogens play a vital role in ________, _______, _______. An example is _______ which switches genes off and on.
cell growth, differentiation, organ development, Retinoic acid
Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can:
1. ______________
2. ______________
Divide and replicate indefinitely to create more stem cells, They can differentiate into specific cell types to form a multicellular organism
What is a stem cell niche?
A specific region/location within the tissues where stem cells reside. It is designated to based on function.
Outline the location and function of two types of multipotent stem cells in an adult human body.
-Bone marrow is located in the hematopoietic stem cell niche. —The niche provides protection and physical and chemical signals to enable differentiation into different types of blood cells.
-Hair follicle stem cells are located in the hair follicle stem cell niche.
-The niche provides protection and physical and chemical signals to enable differentiation into different types of skin cells.
What is totipotent? Give an example.
Can differentiate into any type of cell including placental cells. Can give rise to a complete organism. Ex. Zygote
What is pluripotent? Give an example.
Can differentiate into all body cells, but cannot give rise to a whole organism. Ex. Embryo
What is multipotent? Give an example.
Can differentiate into a few closely related types of body cell. Ex. Tissue stem cells
Explain why pluripotent stem cells are most prevalent in the early embryonic development of a multicellular organism.
Pluripotent stem cells have the capability to differentiate into all types of body cells which help the early growth of a multicellular organism.
Relate the relative cell size to the specialized function of sperm.
Long and narrow cells, adapted to reduce resistance as sperm moves towards egg
Relate the relative cell size to the specialized function of egg.
Large and spherical cells, stores all the materials and nutrients for development of the embryo.