Cellular differentiation Flashcards
What is cellular differentiation
The process by which a cell expresses certain genes to produce proteins characteristic for that type of cell. Allows a cell to carry out specialised functions.
What are meristems
Regions of unspecialised cells in plants that can divide and have the potential to differentiate
What are stem cells
Unspecialised cells in animals that can divide and have the potential to differentiate.
Name 2 types of stem cells in animals
Embryonic and adult tissue
What are embryonic stem cells
Pluripotent so they can divide and differentiate into any type of cell
What are tissue stem cells
Multipotent so can only differentiate into cells found in a particular tissue
A location of stem cells
Bone marrow
What are tissue stem cells involved in
The growth repair and renewal of cells in a particular tissue.
Research uses
Model cells to study how diseases develop and used in drug testing
Therapeutic uses
Involves the repair of damaged or diseased tissues or organs eg corneal repair or regeneration of damaged skin.
Ethical issues of embryonic stem cells
Involves destruction of embryos.
