Stem Cells Flashcards
What is meant by the term ‘body tissue’?
- groups of the same kind of cells with a common structure and function
‘The heart is an organ’ - explain this statement.
It consists of several different tissues and it carries out a specific function within a body system.
What is a human body system? Give two examples.
A troupe of organs working together to perform a particular function, e.g. Any two from:
- circulatory
- digestive
- endocrine
- immune
- nervous
- vascular
- lymphatic
What are the two types of stem cells found in the human?
1- embryonic stem cells
2- tissue (adult) stem cells
What are stem cells?
In the early embryo all the cells are able to divide, whereas in the adult body only relatively few have this ability, such cells are called stem cells
What is the process of differentiation?
As the embryo grows, different groups of cells start to become specialised to carry out a particular functions. At the same time, their potential to do other things are lost as the genes associated with these activities are turned off. This is the process of differentiation
What characteristics do stem cells have?
- undifferentiated (unspecialised cell type), allowing them to divide and maintain a supply of stem cells for the body
- found in all multicellular organisms
- self-renewing and can differentiate, in some organs, like the gut, stem cells regularly divide to repair and replace worn out or damages tissues
Where are stem cells only found?
In multicellular organisms
What is the short meaning of differentiation in regard to stem cells?
The process by which an unspecialised cell develops specific functions
What is the unique property of stem cells which make them different from specialised cells?
They are capable of repeated cell division
give examples of differentiated cells and their functions?
Muscle cell: movement
Nerve cell: carried impulses
red blood cell: transport of oxygen
What is the balls of cells called after stage B (inner mass cell/blastocoel)
Blastocyst, and is ready to be implanted into the endometrium of the uterus
What is stage C known as?
Epiblast
What does pluripotent mean?
Embryonic type of stem cell- found in very early embryo (blastocyst. Can differentiate to become any cell
Which kind of call mutations are passed onto offspring
1. Somatic cell or 2. Germline cells?
Germline cells are passed onto offspring if the gamete carrying the mutation is fertilised.
