Topic 8 - 5 - Stem Cells

Question 1

What is a stem cell?

Answer 1

An unspecialised cell that can develop into other types of cell. It is also able to divide to form new cells

Question 2

Where are stem cells found?

Answer 2

• In Embryo’s

- In some adult tissues (where they become specialised cells that need to be replaced)

Question 3

What is a totipotent stem cell?

Answer 3

A stem cells that is able to develop into any type of body cell

Question 4

What is a pluripotent stem cell?

Answer 4

A stem cell that can develop into any type of cell, apart from cells that make up the placenta

Question 5

What is a multipotent stem cell?

Answer 5

A stem cell only able to develop into a few types of cell

Question 6

What is a unipotent stem cell?

Answer 6

A stem cell that can only differentiate into one type of cell

Question 7

Why do stem cells become specialised?

Answer 7

Because during their development they can only transcribe and translate part of their DNA

Question 8

Summarise how cells become specialised through gene expression

Answer 8

Gene expressed > mRNA transcribed and translated in into proteins > Proteins modify the cell > Cell becomes specialised for a particular function > Genes switched off > mRNA not transcribed or translated

Question 9

What is a Cardiomyocyte?

Answer 9

A heart muscle cell. They make up a lot of the tissue in the heart

Question 10

What type of stem cell do some scientists think that new cardiomyocytes can be derived from?

Answer 10

Unipotent stem cells