Stem Cells and Totipotency

Question 1

What are totipotent cells?

Answer 1

Totipotent cells are cells that can mature into any body cells. They are found in the early embryo.

Question 2

How do cells lose their totipotency and become specialised?

Answer 2

Totipotent cells differentiate and change their structure for a particular function.

Question 3

What is meant by:
-Cell differentiation?
-Cell specialisation?

Answer 3

-Cell differentiation:
=The process by which cells become specialised for different functions.

-Cell specialisation:
=The process by which cells alter their structure in order to suit a particular purpose.

Question 4

Where can stem cells be found?

Answer 4

-Embryonic stem cells (Embryos in early stages of development)
-Umbilical cord blood stem cells (Similar to adult stem cells)
-Placental stem cells (Found in placenta and develop into specific types of cells)
-Adult stem cells (Found within specific body tissues or organs within which they produce cells to repair and maintain tissues throughout an organism’s life)

Question 5

How can pluripotent cells be used to treat human disorders?

Answer 5

-Regrow tissues that have been damaged in some way
-Examples include: Heart muscle cells; Skeletal muscle cells; Bone cells.

Question 6

What is a pluripotent cell?

Answer 6

Cells that can differentiate into almost any type of cell except for fetal cells.

Question 7

What is an induced pluripotent cell?

Answer 7

-A type of pluripotent cell that is produced from unipotent stem cells.
-This is achieved through genetic involvement.