Cell division, Diversity and Organisation.

Question 1

What are totipotent stem cells?

Answer 1

• Able to produce any type of body cell, as well as cells of supportive structures such as the placenta.
• Most unspecialised stem cell.
• They translate only part of their DNA, meaning they remain unspecialised.
• Exists for a very limited time during embryonic development in mammals.

Question 2

What are pluripotent stem cells?

Answer 2

• Totipotent cells turn into pluripotent cells.
• Pluripotent cells are able to divide in unlimited numbers and produce any type of cell that makes up the body.
• These can be used to treat human disorders.

Question 3

What are multipotent stem cells?

Answer 3

• Found in mature mammals
• Can develop into a LIMITED number of cell types.
  (e.g - multipotent cells in the bone marrow can produce a range of blood cells)

Question 4

What are unipotent stem cells?

Answer 4

• Found in mature mammals
• Can divide to produce new cells but can only produce one type.
  (Example: cardiomyocytes are unipotent, only producing muscle cells)

Question 5

Why are checkpoints needed in cell division?

Answer 5

• To prevent uncontrolled division which may lead to the formation of tumors (cancer)
• To detect and repair damage to DNA.

Question 6

What are three uses of mitosis?

Answer 6

• Asexual reproduction
• Growth
• Repair

Question 7

What are the stages of mitosis in order?

Answer 7

1. Prophase
2. Metaphase
3. Anaphase
4. Telophase