stem cells Flashcards
stem cell
undifferentiated cells which can become other cell types, they retain the ability to keep dividing
main sources of stem cells
embryos
bone marrow
teeth
totipotent
Embryonic cells that can
differentiate into all types of cells.
pluripotent
adult cells which can differentiate into most types of cells but not tissue such as placenta
multi potent
stem cells which can differentiate into a limited number of cells
somatic stem cells
adult stem cells which can only differentiate into limited cell types such as bone marrow
clone
group of cells or organisms which are genetically identical
how do cells become differentiated
receive a chemical signal which results in diff genes being expressed
induced pluripotent stem cells
adult cells which are genetically reprogrammed to become induced pluripotent stem cells which behave as embryonic stem cells
uses of stem cells
- regenerate tissue and organs
- develop model systems to study growth and birth defects
- screen new drugs
advantages of stem cells
- produced quickly
- produced on a large scale
- production of genetically identical cells for transplant reducing risk of rejection
disadvantages of stem cells
- in mammas it is very expensive and unreliable
- in plants disease or entry of pathogens may cause problems
- long term effects such as premature aging