Topic 1.1 - Cell Specialisation

Question 1

Cite two capacities that stem cells have

Answer 1

Potency - they can differentiate
Self renewal - continuous ability to divide and replicate

Question 2

Give the four main types of stem cells and their abilities

Answer 2

Unipotent - cannot differentiate but can self renew
Multipotent - can differentiate into closely related cell types
Pluripotent - can form any cell type
Totipotent - can form any cell type as well as extra embryonic tissue.

Question 3

Give at least two therapeutic uses of stem cells

Answer 3

Harvesting stem cells from appropriate sources
Using biochemical solutions to trigger cell differentiation
Surgically implanting new cells into patient’s own tissue
Suppressing the host immune system to prevent rejection
Monitoring new cells to ensure they do not become cancerous

Question 4

Cite three diseases for which stem cells can be used

Answer 4

Startgard’s disease
Parkinson
Leukemia

Question 5

In which stem cell type is the tumor risk higher ?

Answer 5

In embryonic cells

Question 6

Each cell contains an identical…

Answer 6

genome