CELLULAR DIFFERENTIATION Flashcards
What is differentiation?
The process in which a cell develops more specialised functions by selective gene expression.
What does differentiation mean?
Only a fraction of genes remain switched on so only those expressed producing the characteristic specific proteins.
What are Stem cells?
Undifferentiated cells that can divide to either make copies of themselves or differentiate into specialised cells.
What are Embryonic stem cells?
Come from a very early embryo
Pluripotent
Can become almost any cell type
What does pluripotent mean?
All genes have the potential to be switched on.
What are Tissue stem cells?
Found in bone marrow and tissue
Multi-potent
Can only differentiate into a limited number of cells related to the tissue they are found in
Involved in growth, repair and renewal of cells
What does multi-potent mean?
Many genes are already switched off
