Stem cells

Question 1

stem cell

Answer 1

cell that can continually divide (by mitosis) an unlimited number of times
each new cell produced has the potential to remain a stem cell or develop into a specialised cell

Question 2

totipotent cell

Answer 2

can divide to produce any type of cell- embryonic stem cell
exist for a limited amount of time
zygotes are totipotent
only translate part of their dna, resulting in specialisation
once specialised cells form tissues, they are no longer totipotent

Question 3

pluripotent cells

Answer 3

embryonic stem cells that can differentiate into any cell found in an embryo
can divide in unlimited numbers and keep replacing themselves
dis- may divide uncontrollably into tumours

Question 4

induced pluripotent cells

Answer 4

can be produced from adult somatic cells (unipotent cells) using transcription factors
transcription factors cause specific genes to be expressed which differentiate cells back to pluripotent, from unipotent
ad- do not require destruction of an embryo
-can be made from patient’s own cells so aren’t rejected

Question 5

iPS

Answer 5

can be used to treat human disorders

divides and differentiates into the cell that the person needs eg cone cells, beta cells in diabetes

Question 6

multipotent cells

Answer 6

found in tissues of adult mammals
can differentiate into a limited no. of specialised cells
usually develops into a particular type of cell eg neural cells to nerve cells

Question 7

unipotent cells

Answer 7

can only differentiate into a single type of cell

eg heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) can generate new ones through cell cycle to build + replace heart muscle