Cell Biology Paper 1 Flashcards
Why are cells specialised?
To perform a specific function
What is xylem cells function?
Transport water UP the plant
What are pholem cells function?
Transport SUGAR UP AND DOWN the plant
what is a stem cell?
A cell that has the ability to differentiate into different specialised cells
What is an embryonic stem cell?
A stem cell that can differentiate into any type of cell
Where are stem cells found?
Bone marrow tissue
What can stems cells be used for?
- Repair damaged organs
- Grow new tissue
What can embryonic stem cells be used for?
Therapeutic cloning
What is therapeutic cloning?
Creating an embryo (from patient) so embryonic stem cells are taken and used in the patient’s body
Why are embryonic stem cells controversial?
This is because they have the potential to be human
What does it mean to be multipotent?
The ability to differentiate into multiple types of specialised cells
What does it mean to be pluripotent?
The ability to differentiate into all types of specialised cells
What are the 2 functions of stem cells?
Self renew (mitosis)
Differentiate
What is differentiation?
The process of a stem cell becoming a specialised cell
Where are embryonic stem cells found?
Fertilisation (blastocyst)
What is the cell cycle? (3 steps)
1) cells grows and replication of DNA/chromosomes
2) mitosis (nucleus divides) and one set of chromosomes go to each end of cell
3) cell (cytoplasm and cell membranes) divides to form 2 cells
What does totipotent mean?
The ability (under the right conditions) for an embryonic stem cell to generate a viable embryo
What is mitosis?
Cell division into 2 genetically identical daughter cells
What is meiosis?
Cell division into 4 gametes
What are disadvantages to using stem cells in leukaemia?
Donor has to be compatible, or WBCs will attack cells
Culture (virus) bone marrow might be present
What chemical is genetic material made from?
DNA
Chromosomes always come in ____?
Pairs
What is the function of DNA?
It is a chemical that codes for specific proteins
What is the formula for magnification?
Image size / real size