Cell Specialisation And Stem Cells Flashcards
What is cell specialization?
The process by which generic cells change into specific cells with distinct functions.
True or False: All cells in the body have the same function.
False
Fill in the blank: Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can develop into ________ types of cells.
many
What are the two main types of stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells and adult (somatic) stem cells.
Multiple choice: Which type of stem cell can differentiate into any cell type? A) Adult stem cells B) Embryonic stem cells C) Both
B) Embryonic stem cells
What is the primary role of red blood cells?
To transport oxygen throughout the body.
True or False: Neurons are specialized cells responsible for transmitting nerve impulses.
True
Fill in the blank: Muscle cells are specialized for ________.
contraction
What is the function of epithelial cells?
To form protective layers and surfaces in the body.
Multiple choice: Which type of stem cell is typically used in regenerative medicine? A) Embryonic stem cells B) Adult stem cells C) Both
C) Both
What is differentiation?
The process by which a stem cell develops into a more specialized cell type.
True or False: Stem cells can only be found in embryos.
False
Fill in the blank: The ability of stem cells to renew themselves is called ________.
self-renewal
What is a key characteristic of pluripotent stem cells?
They can differentiate into almost any cell type in the body.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a function of adipose cells? A) Energy storage B) Muscle contraction C) Nerve impulse transmission
A) Energy storage
What type of stem cells are found in bone marrow?
Adult stem cells (hematopoietic stem cells).
True or False: Stem cells can be used to treat a variety of diseases.
True
Fill in the blank: The main function of pancreatic beta cells is to produce ________.
insulin
What is the significance of stem cell research?
It holds potential for developing treatments for various diseases and injuries.
Multiple choice: Which type of specialized cell is responsible for the immune response? A) Erythrocytes B) Neurons C) Lymphocytes
C) Lymphocytes
What is the role of fibroblast cells?
To produce collagen and extracellular matrix for tissue structure.
True or False: All specialized cells can undergo mitosis.
False
Fill in the blank: The process of cells taking on specialized functions is known as ________.
cell differentiation
What type of cells are osteocytes?
Specialized cells found in bone tissue.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of stem cell? A) Totipotent B) Pluripotent C) Bipotent D) Multipotent
C) Bipotent
What is the function of glial cells in the nervous system?
To support and protect neurons.
True or False: Stem cells can only differentiate into cells of the same tissue type.
False
Fill in the blank: ________ cells are specialized for transmitting signals in the body.
Nerve
What is the primary function of epithelial tissue?
To cover and protect surfaces in the body.
Multiple choice: Which type of stem cell is derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst? A) Adult stem cells B) Embryonic stem cells C) Induced pluripotent stem cells
B) Embryonic stem cells
What type of specialized cell is responsible for the contraction of the heart?
Cardiac muscle cells.
True or False: Stem cells can be harvested from adult tissues.
True
Fill in the blank: The main function of neurons is to ________ information.
transmit
What are totipotent stem cells?
Stem cells that can differentiate into any cell type, including extra-embryonic tissues.
Multiple choice: Which specialized cell type is involved in the transport of carbon dioxide? A) Red blood cells B) White blood cells C) Platelets
A) Red blood cells
What is the role of chondrocytes?
To produce and maintain cartilage.
True or False: Specialized cells lose the ability to divide and replicate.
True
Fill in the blank: Stem cells can be classified into ________ categories based on their differentiation potential.
three
What is the primary function of skeletal muscle cells?
To facilitate voluntary movement.
Multiple choice: Which type of stem cell can only differentiate into a limited range of cell types? A) Totipotent B) Pluripotent C) Multipotent
C) Multipotent
What is the function of melanocytes?
To produce melanin, which gives color to the skin.
True or False: Stem cells can be used to regenerate damaged tissues.
True
Fill in the blank: The specialized function of a cell is often determined by its ________.
structure
What is the role of endothelial cells?
To line blood vessels and regulate exchanges between the blood and tissues.
Multiple choice: Which of the following cells is involved in the immune response? A) Neurons B) Erythrocytes C) Macrophages
C) Macrophages
What is the primary characteristic of adult stem cells?
They can differentiate into a limited number of cell types.
True or False: All specialized cells arise from stem cells.
True
Fill in the blank: The process of stem cells becoming specialized cells is known as ________.
differentiation
What is the function of pancreatic acinar cells?
To produce digestive enzymes.
Multiple choice: Which type of specialized cell is responsible for the formation of myelin? A) Astrocytes B) Schwann cells C) Oligodendrocytes
B) Schwann cells
What is the role of keratinocytes?
To provide the outer layer of skin and protect against environmental damage.
True or False: Stem cells can differentiate into both somatic and germ cells.
True
Fill in the blank: The ability of a cell to perform a specific function is often linked to its ________.
specialization
What is the primary function of goblet cells?
To secrete mucus in the respiratory and digestive tracts.
Multiple choice: Which cell type is responsible for bone formation? A) Osteoblasts B) Osteoclasts C) Chondrocytes
A) Osteoblasts
What is the function of adipocytes?
To store fat and provide insulation.
True or False: Stem cells can be induced to become specialized cells in vitro.
True
Fill in the blank: The specialized function of a cell is often determined by its ________ and ________.
genes and environment
What is the role of oligodendrocytes?
To provide support and insulation to axons in the central nervous system.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a characteristic of stem cells? A) They have a fixed function B) They can divide indefinitely C) They cannot differentiate
B) They can divide indefinitely
What is the main purpose of tissue engineering?
To create artificial organs and tissues for medical use.
True or False: All cells in a multicellular organism are specialized.
False
Fill in the blank: The process by which cells become specialized is influenced by ________ signals.
external
What is the function of leukocytes?
To defend the body against infection.
Multiple choice: Which type of stem cell has the greatest potential for differentiation? A) Multipotent B) Pluripotent C) Unipotent
B) Pluripotent
What is the primary role of cardiac muscle cells?
To pump blood throughout the body.
True or False: Cell specialization is a random process.
False
Fill in the blank: Stem cells are critical for ________ growth and repair.
tissue
What is the role of smooth muscle cells?
To control involuntary movements in organs.
Multiple choice: Which type of cell is primarily involved in the inflammatory response? A) Neutrophils B) Erythrocytes C) Platelets
A) Neutrophils
What is the function of hepatocytes?
To perform various metabolic functions in the liver.
True or False: Stem cell therapy is a promising area of research for treating degenerative diseases.
True
Fill in the blank: Stem cells can be derived from ________ tissue, ________ tissue, and ________ tissue.
embryonic, adult, umbilical