Cellular differentiation Flashcards
What is cellular differentiation
The process by which a cell expresses certain genes to produce protein characteristics for their type of cell
Explain a selective gene
Whilst neuron’s and epithelial cells are produced from the same stem cell different genes are exposed in each cell type to allow them to perform there specialised functions
Definition of a stem cell
Stem cells are unspecialised cells in animals that can divide (self-renew) and/or differentiate
I’m Which genes are expressed as a result of differentiation in the human body
Red blood cells genes are expressed for haemoglobin
Platelet genes are expressed are associated with with healing proteins
Phagocytes genes are expressed for digestive enzymes
Lymphocytes genes are expressed for cytokines and antibody production
Why does cellular differentiation need to take place
To allow cells to carry out specialised functions in the body like red blood cells differentiating to carry oxygen efficiently around the body
What are regions of unspecialised cells in plants called which can differentiate into specialised cells
Meristems are herons of unspecialised cells in plants that can divide (self-renew) and/or differentiate
What is an apical meristem
It causes primary growth like lengthening of a plant it occurs at tips of the shoots and roots and produces new beams and flowers
What is a lateral meristem
It causes secondary growth like watering of plants and it occurs at the cambium which produces bark on trees
What are embryonic stem cells
Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into all types of cells that’s made up in the organism they are described as pluripotent
Where are embryonic stem cells found
In the very early embryo stage
Why can the very early embryo do what they do
Because all the genes in the embryonic stem cells can be switched on so the cells can differentiate into any type of cell
What is a tissue stem cell
Tissue stem cells involve in growth, repair and renewal these are the cells found in a tissue stem cell
What does multi potent mean
They can only differentiate into all the type of cells found in a particular tissue type
What are therapeutic uses of stem cells
Regeneration of damaged skin (skin grafts) and corneal repair in the eye
Benefit of using your own stem cell
Reduces the risk of your body rejecting the tissue
