Stem Cells Flashcards
What type of cell is unable to divide?
Specialised cells
Differentiation
The process by which cells become specialised
Stem Cells
A cell that has the ability to continuously divide and differentiate (develop) into various other kinds of cells/tissues
Characteristics of a stem cell
- Can make exact copies of itself indefinitely (through simple mitosis) (once cells become specialised they have only a limited capacity to reproduce themselves).
- Given an appropriate signal, stem cells can differentiate and produce specialised cells.
Potency
Refers to the potential capacity of a stem cell to differentiate into different specialised cell types.
How are stem cells classified?
Where they originate or the type of cells that they can form.
Totipotent Stem Cells
Potential to create any type of cell necessary for embryonic development
Example of Totipotent Stem Cells
Cells from early (1-3 days) embryos
Pluripotent Stem Cells
Gives rise to any cells in the body. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent as they differentiate to form all cells of the individual.
Example of Pluripotent Stem Cells
Some cells of blastocysts (5-14 days)
Multipotent Stem Cells
Has the potential to form a number of different types of cells
Examples of Multipotent Stem Cells
Foetal tissue, umbilical cord blood and adult stem cells
Embryonic Stem Cells
Undifferentiated cells that are taken from the inner cell mass of 3-7 day old embryo
Where are embryonic stem cells obtained?
From excess embryos created by IVF (but are not needed for infertility treatment)
What type of stem cells are embryonic?
Totipotent or pluripotent (they have a potential to become various specialised cell types)
