Stem Cells Flashcards
Cloning is
Creating a genetically identical copy
Three general classes of stem cells are
-embryonic stem cells
-adult stem cells
-induced pluripotent stem cells
Which stem cells are derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst
Embryonic stem cells
Adult stem cells (4)
-Mesenchymal stem cells
-make up majority of tissues
-used for maintenance and repair
-multipotent (restricted differentiation possibility)
Embryonic stem cells (2)
-derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst
-pluripotent (ie. can differentiate into any type of cell)
The inner cell mass gives rise to the
Embryo
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) (2)
-generated from differentiated cells (ex. Skin fibroblasts) and then “reprogrammed” into a pluripotent state
-similar to Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) BUT without the need to harvest embryos
What does pluripotent mean? Which stem cells are pluripotent?
-can differentiate into any cell type
-Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs) and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)
CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing is used to
Remove and replace defective DNA strand with a healthy one
Myostatin Gene (6)
-the “Thoroughbred Gene”
-specific allele responsible for speed and precocity
-inhibits muscle cell growth
-C/C best suited for fast, short distance sprints
-C/T best suited for middle distance races
-T/T best suited for long distance (stamina)
Cons to cloning (3)
-inefficient and difficult
-lack of genetic variability
-shorter lifespan in offspring
6 key steps involved in cloning
- Extract donor cell with nucleus
- Extract egg cell without nucleus from female adult
- Fuse cells via electric shock
- Fused cell begins dividing normally
- Embryo is placed in foster mother uterus
- Embryo develops and clone is birthed
