stem cells and their potency

Question 1

what are stem cells

Answer 1

stem cells are unspecialised. They are capable of repeated divisions by mitosis.

Question 2

what is differentiation

Answer 2

differentiation is the process of stem cells becoming specialised. They develop characteristics and functions of specific cells

Question 3

what are the different classifications of potency?

Answer 3

1. totipotent
2. pluripotent
3. multipotent

Question 4

what are totipotent stem cells?

Answer 4

• has the potential to create any type of cell necessary for embryonic development

Question 5

what are pluripotent stem cells?

Answer 5

• can give rise to many cell types required for foetal development
• gives rise to foetal tissues but not placental tissues

Question 6

what are multipotent stem cells

Answer 6

• multipotent stem cells give rise to cells with a particular function

Question 7

what do totipotent stem cells form

Answer 7

• any part of the embryo and surrounding membranes

- i.e early embryo before the formation of the inner cell mass

Question 8

what do pluripotent stem cells form

Answer 8

• any part of the embryo

- i.e the inner cell mass

Question 9

what do multipotent stem cells form

Answer 9

red bone marrow

Question 10

what is proliferation

Answer 10

when cells replicate over and over