Introduction Flashcards
What are progenerative cells
Cells that differentiate into the nerves
When can we distinguish the early brain and spinal chord
4-5 weeks post fertilisation
Why do we use model organisms
They’re accesible, they lend their selves to state of the art experimental techniques
What do we describe development as
Progressive, showing restrictive potency
What is differentiation
The process by which cells become different from each other and acquire specialised properties
Why are cells different
Due to the proteins they express which are in turned controlled by MRNA and transcription factors
What is differentiation guided by
Extrinsic and intrinsic factors
What are extrinsic factors and when do they occur
They are signals and they occur early on
What are intrinsic factors and when do they occur
Transcription factors within the cell and they occur later
How do we define progenitor cells
Based on what mRNAs they’re transcribing and what proteins they’re making
What are loss of function experiments
Get rid of external factors one at a time and ask if the outcome is still the same
What are gain of function experiments
The opposite of loss of function
