Stem And Specialized Cells Flashcards
What is a stem cell?
Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can differentiate into any type of cell (aka specialized cell).
What is a embryonic stem cell?
An embryonic stem cell can differentiate into any kind of cell in the body, however only exist during the first few days of life.
What is a tissue stem cell?
Tissue stem cells (aka adult stem cells) only produce specialized cells from stem cells. A signal indicates the cell to “read” a certain section of DNA. This section tells the cells how to function and what structure, inside and outside, to take (what shape to take, what special organelles it may need to create).
What is a specialized cell?
A cell that has a particular structure and performs a specific function. Each type has unique shapes, size, and features allowing it to do its job accurately.
What is the function of a red blood cell?
RBC carry oxygen and carbon dioxide around the blood.
What is the structure of a red blood cell?
RBCs are round and flexible to travel through blood tubes (aka vessels) efficiently. The RBC in mammals don’t have a nucleus so that there is more room to carry oxygen and carbon dioxide.
What is the function of ear epithelial cells?
EEC pick of vibrations in the air and send signals to the nerve cells.
What is the structure of ear epithelial cells?
EEC have cilia - tiny hair like projections that sense vibrations.
What is the function of the nerve cell?
NC send messages quickly over Lind distances to and from the brain.
What is the structure of nerve cells?
NC have multiple long, skinny arms to reach multiple surrounding cells quickly.
What is the function of muscle cells?
MC lengthen and shorten for movement.
What is the structure of muscle cells?
MC are long, skinny cells with elastin to change its shape. Have many mitochondria to provide constant energy for muscle contraction.
