Cell Specialization Flashcards
Give 3 examples of unicellular organisms
- Amoeba
- Paramecium
- Euglena
the result when similar cell types group together to perform a common function
Tissue
a specialized structure composed of 2 or more tissues that together perform a specific function
Organ
the result when multiple organs work together
Organ System
a type of cell with long branches that carry messages throughout the body using electrical signaling
Neurons
________ Cells:
- Form is closely related to function
- Optimal performance only in the environment it was designed to function
Specialized Cells
cells that move oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body
Red Blood Cells
the ability of cells to become another type of cell
Cellular Potency
Cell Specialization vs Cellular Potency
Highly Specialized > Low Potency
Unspecialized > High Potency
What are the 4 primary levels of cellular potentcy?
- Totipotent
- Pluripotent
- Multipotent
- Unipotent
a single cell’s ability to produce any number of different cell types within an organism
Totipotent
Why are totipotent cells unique?
They can form all the cell types in an organism + the extraembryonic (placental) cells
What are the only totipotent cells?
Embryonic cells within the 1st couple of cell divisions after fertilization
cells that can give rise to other cells that will function within an embryo
Pluripotent
Embryonic Stem Cells have what level of cellular potency?
Pluripotent
cells that are specialized enough that they can further differentiate into a number of closely related cell types
Multipotent
Adult Stem Cells have what level of cellular potency?
Multipotent
Explain an example of multipotent cells
Hematopoietic Stem Cells - can specialize / differentiate into distinct blood cell types (red or white blood cells)
- can NOT give rise to a nerve cell
cells that have differentiated and specialized to the point that they can produce only one type of cell and are able to self-renew
Unipotent
Give 2 examples of Unipotent Cells
- Skin Cells
- Red Blood Cells
cells that function to differentiate into specialized cells and generate new cells to repair worn or injured tissues
Stem Cells
Stem cells have what degree of potency? Are they differentiated?
High
Undifferentiated or only partially differentiated
Stem Cells can help provide treatments or cures for certain veterinary diseases/disorders: List 5
- Blood and Immune System Diseases
- Eye Diseases - Corneal Ulcers
- Wound Healing
- Spinal Cord injuries
- Respiratory Diseases - Inflammatory Airway Disease
What are the 2 main types of stem cells?
- Embryonic Stem Cells
- Adult Stem Cells
Describe the potency of Embryonic Stem Cells and where they are found
Pluripotent
Found in the:
1. Embryo / Fetus
2. Umbilical Cord Blood - generally multipotent
3. Grown in a lab
Describe the potency of Adult Stem Cells and where they are found
Multipotent or Unipotent
Found in:
1. Bone Marrow
stem cells that give rise to blood cells and can form mature blood cells such as red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells
Hemopoietic Stem Cells
Why are hemopoietic stem cells important?
Red blood cells lack the ability to divide and produce other red blood cells due to a lack of DNA within the cells
Hemopoietic Stem Cells have what degree of potency?
Multipotent
adult stem cells that have been modified with a virus to return to the natural embryonic state
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
