Cellular differentiation Flashcards
What is cellular differentiation?
Cellular differentiation is the process by which a cell expresses certain genes to produce proteins characteristic for that type of cell. This allows a cell to carry out specialised functions.
What are meristems and stem cells?
Meristems are regions of unspecialised cells in plants that can divide (self-renew) and/or differentiate. Stem cells are unspecialised cells in animals that can divide and/or differentiate.
Describe embryonic cells
Embryonic cells are pluripotent as they can differentiate into all the cell types that make up the organism. This is because all the genes in embryonic stem cells can be switched on so these cells can differentiate into any type of cell.
Describe tissue stem cells.
Tissue stem cells are involved in the growth, repair and renewal of the cells found in that tissue. They are multipotent as they can differentiate into all the types of cells found in a particular tissue type.
Name the therapeutic uses for stem cells
The repair of damaged or diseased organs or tissues. They are used in corneal repair and the regeneration of damaged skin.
Name the research uses of stem cells
Stem cells are used as model cells to study how diseases develop or being used for drug testing. Stem cells from the embryo can self-renew, under the right conditions in a lab. Stem cell research provides information on how cell processes such as cell growth, differentiation and gene regulation works.
Explain the ethical issues of using embryonic stem cells.
The use of embryonic stem cells can offer effective treatments for disease and injury; however, it involves the destruction of embryos.
