Differentiation Flashcards
what is cellular differentiation?
the process in which an unspecialised cell becomes specialised
why is cellular differentiation important?
it allows a cell to carry out specialised functions
how does differentiation occur?
certain genes which are needed are expressed while other genes which aren’t needed are switched off
what is a specialised cell?
a cell with a. specific structure and function
what makes a cell become specialised?
by expressing genes which are needed to make proteins specific to the cell
what is a meristem?
an unspecialised cell found in plants
what are meristems and stem cells used for?
- divide/ self renew
- differentiate specialised cells
what are stem cells?
an unspecialised cell found in animals
what are the two types of stem cells?
- Embryonic
- Tissue/ Adult
what is an embryonic stem cell?
cells found in an embryo which can specialise/ differentiate into all cell types
what does pluripotent mean?
when a cell can differentiate into all cell types
eg. embryonic
what is a tissue/ adult stem cell?
a cell that can differentiate into certain cell types depending on where they are found
e.g cells found in bone marrow can differentiate into any blood cell
what does multipotent mean?
when a cell can differentiate into a limited variety of cell types
e.g tissue/ adult stem cells
what is the function of tissue stem cells?
involved in growth, repair and renewal of cells found in that tissue
how can stem cells be used therapeutically?
- used to grow a new layer of skin for burn victims (skin grafts)
- can be used to treat leukaemia
