stem cell and cell specialization

Question 1

stem cell

Answer 1

an unspecialized cell, from which all specialized cells of an organism originate

Question 2

embryonic stem cells

Answer 2

unspecialized cell that can become any of the body’s cells

Question 3

totiponent

Answer 3

cells that can become any type of cell in the body

Question 4

pluripotent

Answer 4

cells that can become all specialized cells that make up the body

Question 5

adult stem cells

Answer 5

cells that have the ability to produce specific types of specialized cells
e.g. blood stem cells only produce various types of blood cells

Question 6

multipotent

Answer 6

cells can develop into more than one type, but are limited

Question 7

cell differentiation

Answer 7

process of becoming specialized cell with specific functions

Question 8

influences of cell differentiation

Answer 8

contents of cell cytoplasm
environmental conditions
neighbouring cells

Question 9

blastocyst

Answer 9

stage where stem cells are found

Question 10

cell specialization

Answer 10

cells developing in different ways to perform specific functions

Question 11

skin cells

Answer 11

Thin, flat and layered cells that form a protective barrier to keep in moisture and keep out bacteria and viruses

Question 12

red blood cells

Answer 12

Donut shaped cells that help carry oxygen around body. Shape allows cell to bend through tight vessels

Question 13

muscle cells

Answer 13

Long, thin and striped; Stripes move closer and further apart so it can change shape for movement; Lots of mitochondria for energy

Question 14

fat cells

Answer 14

Has small nucleus and little cytoplasm to create “space” to store fat needed for energy, insulation and padding

Question 15

sperm cells

Answer 15

Have a flagellum (tail) that helps propel the sperm cell to the egg for reproduction; lots of mitochondria for energy

Question 16

nerve cell

Answer 16

Long branches allow the cell to communicate with other cells by sending and receiving electrical messages

Question 17

zygote

Answer 17

a single cell formed by the union of a sperm and ovum

Question 18

differences between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells

Answer 18

adult stem cells are known as multipotent stem cells because they are capable of giving rise only to a few types of cells that develop into a specific tissue or organ

cells in the early embryonic stage are totipotent; after 7 days, the zygote forms to a structure called blastocyst, which contains a mass of cells, eventually becoming the fetus. at this stage, embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning that they have the capacity to become many different types of human cells

Question 19

how can stem cell research be useful?

Answer 19

can cure diseases like diabetes, parkinsons, cancer
increase resources for organ or tissue donations