Chapter 8-Stem Cells

Question 1

Define stem cells

Answer 1

• cell that is capable of dividing throughout its life, creating more stem cells and differentiate to specialised cells

Question 2

3 components of the blastocyst

Answer 2

1. Trophoblast
2. Blastocoel
3. Inner cell mass

Question 3

Benefits of studying stem cells

Answer 3

1. Know more about cell-based transplant therapy—restore damaged tissues (regenerative medicine)
2. Know how to reactivate stem cells for beauty reasons such as nicer skin and fuller hair
3. Understanding cancers—cancers that arise from defects in differentiation process; cancer cells have stem cell properties

Question 4

Define IPSCs

Answer 4

• adult cells that have reverted back to an embryonic stem cell-like state

Question 5

What are the 4 TFs used to produce IPSCs?

Answer 5

Oct 3/4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc

Question 6

What is autologous stem cell transfer?

Answer 6

• uses cells from patient which have been genetically altered in vitro to produce functional () again and re-implanted back into patient

Question 7

Disadvantage of autologous stem cell transfer

Answer 7

• needs genetic engineering, which can potentially lead to transformation of donor cells into cancer

Question 8

What is allogenic stem cell transfer?

Answer 8

• cells taken from another person with functional () and transplanted into patient

Question 9

Disadvantage of allogenic stem cell transfer

Answer 9

• immune rejection and donor compatibility