Stem Cell Definitions

Question 1

What are stem cells?

Answer 1

Unspecialised cells that can turn into many other cell types

Question 2

To be functionally defined as a stem cell, the cell must have the capactiy to:

Answer 2

1. Self renew - generate daughter cells identical to the mother cell
2. Differentiate - produce progeny with more restricted potential
3. Be clonal - a single cell can generate more stem cells and differentiated progeny

Question 3

Where are stem cells?

Answer 3

Fertilised egg
Early embryos
Umbilical cord
Adult tissues and organs
Cancers

Question 4

Give me some example ASC populations

Answer 4

Bone marrow
Intestinal
Skin

Question 5

Totipotent =

Answer 5

Cell can form all tissues required for reproduction (Zygote)

Question 6

Pluripotent =

Answer 6

Cell has the ability to give rise to all cells of an embryo and adult (ESCs)

Question 7

Multipotent =

Answer 7

Can form a limited number of cell types, constricted to a specific tissue/area (ASC’s

Question 8

Unipotent =

Answer 8

Can only form one type of cell (committed progenitor cells)

Question 9

Self-renewal =

Answer 9

when a stem cell divides, at least one of its daughter cells is also a stem cell. This is how they expand in numbers to make large tissues/organs