Stem Cells Flashcards
What are the 4 types of stem cell?
totipotent
pluripotent
multipotent
unipotent
What is differentiation?
the process by which stem cells become specialised
What are stem cells?
undifferentiated cells which can continually divide and specialise to become different types of cells
What are totipotent stem cells?
stem cells that can divide and produce any type of body cells
Where can totipotent stem cells be found?
for a limited time in the early stages of an embryo
What results in totipotent stem cells becoming specialised?
only translate part of their DNA
What are pluripotent stem cells?
a type of embryonic stem cell that can divide to form ALMOST any type of cell, but NOT placenta
What are pluripotent stem cells used for?
research into treating human disorders
What are some potential applications of pluripotent stem cells?
- beta cells that produce insulin: diabetes
- neurones: Parkinson’s
- treating burns
What are some issues with pluripotent stem cells?
- can continually divide to create tumours
- ethical issues: therapeutic cloning (making a zygote), destroying an embryo
What are multipotent stem cells?
can divide to form a limited number of cell types
Where can multipotent and unipotent stem cells be found?
bone marrow
umbilical cord
placenta
Where are pluripotent stem cells found?
in a blastocyst
What are unipotent stem cells?
can only differentiate into one type of cell
What cells can the stem cells found in bone marrow differentiate into?
the different types of blood cell
