CELL DIFERENTIATION Flashcards
Define stem cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to develop into various specialized cell types and can self-renew to maintain their population.
Differentiate between totipotent, pluripotent and multipotent stem cells
Totipotent stem cells can differentiate into any cell type, including extraembryonic tissues; pluripotent stem cells can form any cell type within the body but not extraembryonic tissues; and multipotent stem cells can differentiate into a limited range of cell types related to a specific tissue or organ.
Explain what makes stem cells special
Stem cells are special because they have the unique ability to differentiate into various specialized cell types and can self-renew, allowing them to replenish damaged tissues and contribute to growth and development.
Name three sources of stem cells
Three sources of stem cells are embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells (such as those found in bone marrow), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs, generated from adult cells).
Distinguish between embryonic stem cells and somatic stem cells
Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and can differentiate into any cell type in the body, while somatic stem cells (adult stem cells) are multipotent and can only differentiate into a limited range of cell types related to the tissue they originate from.
Identify ethical issues involved in stem cell use in therapeutic medicine
Ethical issues in stem cell use include concerns about the destruction of embryos for embryonic stem cells, the potential for creating human clones, and the commercialization of stem cell therapies, which may exploit vulnerable patients.
