Unit 1 Flashcards
What is a somatic cell
A somatic cell is any cell in the body other than the cells involved in reproduction
How do Somatic Stem Cells divide
Somatic cells divide by mitosis to form more somatic cells
What are Germline Stem Cells
Germline cells are gametes (sperm and ova) and the stem cells that divide to form gametes
How do Germline cells divide
By mitosis and by meiosis
How many pairs of homologous chromosomes do diploid cells have
23 pairs
What does the division of meiosis produce
Haploid gametes
How many single chromosomes do haploid gametes contain
23 single chromosomes
What is cellular differentiation
Cellular differentiation is the process by which a cell expresses certain genes to produce proteins characteristic for that type of fell. This allows a cell to carry out specialised functions
Embryonic stem cells are…
Pluripotent
Pluripotent means…
All the genes in the cell 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 cells
Tissue stem cells are…
Multipotent
What does Multipotent mean?
The cell can differentiate into all types of cell found in a particular cell type. For example, blood stem cells located in bone marrow can give rise to red blood cells, platelets, phagocytes and lymphocytes.
What does therapeutic uses of stem cells involve
The repair of damaged or diseased organs or tissue and can be used in corneal repair and the regeneration of damaged skin.
What are the ethical issues off using embryonic stem cells?
Use of embryonic stem cells can offer effective treatments for disease and injury; however, it involves the destruction of embryos.
