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Bio: 3.8 The control of gene expression > Stem Cells + Totipotency > Flashcards

Stem Cells + Totipotency Flashcards

1
Q

What are totipotent cells?

A

Totipotent cells are cells which can mature into any body cell

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2
Q

What is an example of a totipotent cell (from women)?

A

An example of a totipotent cell is a single fertilised egg

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3
Q

What happens to totipotent cells after they differentiate?

A

Totipotent cells differentiate and become specialised for a particular function

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4
Q

Why do different types of cells, such as mesophyll and muscle cells, perform specific functions despite containing the same DNA?

A

This is because during the process of cell specialisation, only some genes are expressed.

This means only part of the DNA of a cell is translated into proteins.

Therefore allowing the cell to only make proteins that it requires to carry out its specialised function

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5
Q

What are some essential proteins produced by all cells, regardless of specialisation?

A

Proteins required for processes like respiration and membrane synthesis are produced by all cells, as they are vital for basic cell function

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6
Q

What happens to the DNA that is not translated into proteins during cell specialisation?

A

The unneeded DNA is not translated to conserve energy and resources, preventing the production of unnecessary proteins

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7
Q

How does the cell prevent the expression of unnecessary genes? What are these preventions referred to as?

A

Cells prevent unnecessary gene expression by stopping transcription (blocking mRNA production) or translation. These are known as controlling factors

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8
Q

Do specialised cells retain all the genes of the organism?

A

Specialised cells still retain all the genes of the organism

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9
Q

What happens to xylem vessel and red blood cells as they specialise?

A

They lose their nuclei, and since the nucleus contains the genes, they cannot develop into other cells

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10
Q

Is specialisation reversible in animal cells?

A

No, specialisation is irreversible in most animal cells

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11
Q

In mature mammals, do any cells retain the ability to differentiate into other cells?

A

Yes, only a few cells retain this ability, and they are called stem cells

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12
Q

What are stem cells?

A

Stem cells are undifferentiated, dividing cells that can divide to form identical copies of themselves in a process called self renewal

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13
Q

Where are stem cells found?

A

Stem cells are found in adult animal tissues

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14
Q

What is self renewal process in stem cells?

A

Self renewal is when stem cells divide to create an identical copy of themselves, allowing them to be constantly replaced

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15
Q

What are the main sources of stem cells in mammals and where is each source located from? (8 marks)

A
  1. Embryonic stem cells
  2. Umbilical cord blood stem cells
  3. Placental stem cells
  4. Adult stem cells
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16
Q

Where do embryonic stem cells come from, and what can they do?

A

Embryonic stem cells come from early embryos and can differentiate into any type of cell.

17
Q

Where are umbilical cord blood stem cells derived from, and how are they different from adult stem cells?

A

They come from umbilical cord blood and are similar to adult stem cells

18
Q

Where are placental stem cells found, and what do they do?

A

Placental stem cells are found in the placenta and develop into specific types of cells

19
Q

Where are adult stem cells found, and what is their role?

A

Adult stem cells are found in body tissues and are specific to certain organs or tissues, helping to maintain and repair them

20
Q

How are stem cells classified?

A

Stem cells are classified according to their ability to differentiate into different types of cells

21
Q

What are totipotent stem cells?
⇒ Give an example
⇒ State where it is found

A

Totipotent stem cells are cells which can differentiate into any type of cell
Found in early embryos
The ZYGOTE would be totipotent as it can form all body cells

22
Q

What happens as totipotent cells divide and mature?

A

As totipotent cells divide and mature, they become pluripotent stem cells, which are slightly more specialised

23
Q

What are pluripotent stem cells?
⇒ Where are they found?
⇒ State examples

A

Pluripotent stem cells are cells that can differentiate into almost any type of cell

Examples include embryonic and fetal stem cells

They are found in embryos

24
Q

How can pluripotent stem cells be used in medicine?

A

Pluripotent cells can be used to regrow tissues that have been damaged by accidents or diseases

25
Q

Give an example of how pluripotent cells can help in case of accidental damage. (burn victim)

A

Pluripotent cells can be used for skin grafts to treat serious burn damage

26
Q

Why are pluripotent cells significant in treating disorders?

A

They provide a potential source of regenerating damaged or diseased tissues, improving recovery and treatment outcomes

27
Q

What are multipotent stem cells?
⇒ Where are they found?

A

Multipotent stem cells are cells which can differentiate into a limited number of specialised cells

They are found in adults

28
Q

What are two examples of multipotent stem cells?

A

Examples of multipotent stem cells include adult stem cells and stem cells from umbilical cord blood

29
Q

What are unipotent stem cells?⇒ Where are they from?
⇒ Where are they made in?

A

Unipotent stem cells are cells that can only differentiate into a single type of cell

They are from multipotent stem cells and are made in adult tissue

30
Q

What is an example of unipotent stem cells ?

A

An example of unipotent stem cell is cardiomyocytes, heart muscle cells that can divide to repair heart muscle damage

31
Q

What are induced pluripotent stem cells? (iPS cells)

A

iPS cells are pluripotent cells produced from unipotent stem cells

32
Q

What are iPS cells very similar to?

A

iPS cells are similar to embryonic stem cells in form and function

33
Q

How are iPS cells created?

A

iPS cells are created by inducing genes and transcriptional factors within unipotent cells to express themselves, turning on genes that were previously turned

34
Q

What does the creation of iPS cells reveal about adult cells?

A

The creation of iPS cells shows that adult cells retain the same genetic information as embryonic cells, which can be reactivated

35
Q

What is a key feature of iPS cells?

A

A key feature of iPS cells is self - renewal, allowing them to divide indefinitely and provide a limitless supply

36
Q

Why are iPS cells significant in medical research and treatment?

A

iPS cells could replace embryonic stem cells, addressing many ethical concerns associated with using embryos in research and treatment

Bio: 3.8 The control of gene expression (17 decks)

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