T3 - Stem Cells and Cell Specialization

Question 1

Three characteristics of stem cells

Answer 1

1. Divide for long periods of time
2. NOT specialized
3. Plasitcity - capable of becoming more than one cell type

Question 2

What’s the ethical controversy with using stem cells?

Answer 2

Against: Shows a lack of dignity and respect for life
For: Embryos wouldn’t have been human anyways

Question 3

How are most embryos obtained?

Answer 3

Unused embryos from IVF

Question 4

Difference between Pluripotent and Totipotent Cells?

Answer 4

BOTH can become any cell type.
TOTI can form a human, PLURI can’t

Question 5

Which cell can’t become any type of cell?

Answer 5

Multipotent - can only become a small amount of related cell types

Question 6

What does IPSC stand for?

Answer 6

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Question 7

What are IPSCs

Answer 7

Adult somatic cells programmed to act like pluripotent embryonic stem cells

Question 8

Two Advnatges of IPSCs

Answer 8

-Tailor stem cell to the patient
-Use it for drug testing (human tissue from IPSCs gives better results)

Question 9

What is a specialized cell?

Answer 9

Performs a specific function
STRUCTURE DICTATES FUNCTION

Question 10

Why do cells specialize?

Answer 10

• Allows for complexity
  -Assigned specific functions (transportation, waste removal, protection)

Question 11

What is the process of creating specialized cells called?

Answer 11

Cellular Diffrentiation

Question 12

What is a zygote?

Answer 12

The cell every cell comes from

Question 13

What causes specialization?

Answer 13

The way they use their DNA
(Expression of different genes within a cell)

Question 14

What does Gene Expression cause?

Answer 14

1. Cytoplasm Differences
2. Differences in Environmental Conditions
3. Substances produced by nearby cells can diffuse to nearby cells