Cell differentiation Flashcards
Why is cell division important?
Cell division is important for a number of things, including:
- Embryo development
- Growth
- Homeostasis (replacing old or dead cells)
- Cancer
All cells in the body have the same set of instructions except…
Red blood cells and platelets
Define differentiation?
Differentiation is the process of a cell becoming specialised
In which two ways do specialised cells develop?
1) Mitosis - which produces two daughter cells
2) Stem cells
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are undifferentiated, non-specialist cells capable of becoming many different types of differentiated cells
How is mitosis in stem cells different to mitosis in differentiated cells?
Mitosis in stem cells is asymmetric.
One daughter cell becomes differentiated, the other daughter cell stays as a stem cell in a process called self-renewal.
Why are all stem cells not identical
Because there are different types of stem cells depending on how many types of cells they can produce.
What is a totipotent stem cell
Totipotent stem cells are capable of producing any cell type
These are found in the embryo up to 8 cells, and plants continue to have totipotent stem cells as they grow.
What is a pluripotent stem cell?
Pluripotent stem cells are capable of producing any cell type within the major lineage (ectoderm, endoderm, mesoderm).
What is a multipotent stem cell?
Multipotent stem cells are capable of producing a restricted set of related cells.
What is the ectoderm?
The ectoderm is the outermost layer of the three primary germ layer of the embryo.
It is where structures like the epidermis, nervous system and the eyes and ears derive from.
neural ectoderm = nervous system
What is the endoderm?
The endoderm is the innermost layer of the germ layer.
It will form the lining of the gut, the liver, the pancreases, intestines and the lungs.
What is the mesoderm?
The mesoderm is the middle layer of the germ layers and forms during gastrulation.
It is responsible for the formation of the skeletal system, muscular system, excretory system, circulatory system, lymphatic system, reproductive system and the connective tissue.
What is terminally differentiated
A cell that is fully differentiated, fully specialised and carries out a specific function.
