Unit 1 Flashcards
State the role of DNA polymerase in the process of DNA replication
Binds complementary nucleotides to DNA
What is a somatic cell
A somatic cell is any cell in the body other than the cells involved in reproduction
How do somatic cells divide
Somatic cells divide by mitosis to form more somatic cells
What are germline cells
Germline cells are gametes (sperm and ova) and the stem cells that divide to form gametes
How do germline cells divide
Germline stem cells divide by mitosis and meiosis
What does mitosis from germline cells create
More germline cells
Why does the nucleus of the germline cell divide by mitosis
To maintain the diploid chromosome number
How many pairs of homologous chromosomes do diploid cells have
23 pairs
Division of meiosis on germline cells produces?
Haploid gametes
How many divisions do germline cells undergo
Two divisions, first separating homologous chromosomes and secondly separating chromatids
How many chromosomes do haploid gametes contain
23 single chromosomes
What is cellular differentiation?
The process by which a cell expresses certain genes to produce proteins characteristics for that type of cell. This allows a cell to carry out specialised functions.
What can cells in a very early embryo differentiate into?
All the cell types that make up the individual
Embryonic stem cells are…
Pluripotent
What does pluripotent mean?
All the genes in embryonic stem cells can be switched on so these cells can differentiate into any type of cell.
What are tissue stem cells involved in?
Growth, repair, and renewal of the cells found in that tissue.
Tissue stem cells are…
Multipotent
What does multipotent mean?
Able to differentiate into all of the types found in a part tissue type.
Blood cells located in bone marrow can give rise to…
Red blood cells, platelets, phagocytes and lymphocytes (white blood cells)
What do therapeutics uses of stem cells involve
Repair of damaged or diseased organs or tissues.
What are therapeutic stem cells used for
Corneal repair and the regeneration of damaged skin.
What is research involving stem cells being used as model cells used to study?
How diseases develop or being used for drug testing
What cell processes does stem cell research provide information for?
How cell growth, differentiation, and gene regulation work.
What are the ethical issues of using embryonic stem cells?
Use of embryonic stem cells can offer effective treatments for disease and injury; however, involves destruction of embryos.
