Key definitions Flashcards
Progenitor
cells that proliferate for a limited number of cycles before differentiation
Stem Cell
A cell with the capacity to generate more specialised cell types by differentiation
Cell lineage
developmental history of a differentiated cell as traced back to the cell from which it arises
Blastomere
Cell type of the early embryo, generated by cleavage of zygote
Blastocyst
Spherical embryo at time of implantation, consists of primary tissue types : Trophectoderm, Epiblast, Primitive endoderm
Trophectoderm
Precursor of placenta
Epiblast
Founding tissue of embryo proper which gives rise to all foetal tissues
Primitive endoderm
Extra-embryonic tissue, initially covers the epiblast surface and later gives rise to yolk sac tissue
Potency
ability of a cell to differentiate into one or more cell types
Potency
ability of a cell to differentiate into one or more cell types
Totipotency
ability of a cell to give rise to a fully functional organism (both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissue)
Pluripotency
ability of a cell to develop into all embryonic cell types (not extra-embryonic)
Germ layers
the first specialised precursors of different embryonic cell types: Mesoderm, Ectoderm, Endoderm
Epithelium
Cells that line the surface of a structure, characterised by tight cell junctions and polarised morphology
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition
Process during which cells loose epithelial characteristics, gain a less regular appearance, and become migratory
