Stem cells

Question 1

Define the term differentiation.

Answer 1

To change and specialise for a specific function.

Question 2

What is a stem cell.

Answer 2

An undifferentiated cell.

Question 3

Define Totipotent.

Answer 3

undifferentiated cell able to develop into all types of cells

Question 4

what is the meaning of Pluripotent?

Answer 4

able to develop into any cell types but not all 216 types.

Question 5

what is the meaning of Multipotent?

Answer 5

differentiated cells which still have the ability to develop into a small number of cell types

Question 6

What is a blastocyst?

Answer 6

a hollow ball of cells which goes on to form the placenta (outer layer of cells) and the embryo (inner cell mass)

Question 7

How do we obtain embryonic stem cells?

Answer 7

The inner cell mass of the blastocyst of an embryo contains pluripotent cells.

With permission from patients, researchers obtain excess embryos from IVF clinics to isolate these cells, which are called embryonic stem cells.