Cellular Differentiation

Question 1

definition of cellular differentiation:

Answer 1

it is the process by which a cell expresses certain genes to produce proteins characteristic for that type of cell.

Question 2

what is a meristem?

Answer 2

a region of unspecialised cells in plants that can divide (self-renew) and differentiate.

Question 3

what is a stem cell?

Answer 3

an unspecialised cell in animals that can divide (self-renew)and differentiate.

Question 4

what are the 2 types of stem cells and give the definition:

Answer 4

embryonic stem cell - stem cell from a very early embryo that can divide and become any type of cell that make up the organism. these are pluripotent

tissue stem cell - cells that can differentiate into all of the types of cell found in a particular tissue type. these are multipotent

Question 5

what are the uses of stem cells?

Answer 5

therapeutic and research

Question 6

how can stem cells be used therapeutically and in research and give examples

Answer 6

therapeutically - repair of damaged or diseased organs. For example corneal repair.
research - being used as model cells to study how diseases develop for example cell growth.

Question 7

why are stem cells useful for research?

Answer 7

they can self-renew under the right conditions in the lab.

Question 8

what are the ethical issues of using embryonic stem cells?

Answer 8

• they can offer effective treatments for disease and injury
• negative part of it is that involves destruction of embryos