Unit 1 - Division and Differentiation Flashcards
What is a stem cell?
An undifferentiated shell, that have the ability to differentiate into a different specialised cell ( Using the switching ‘on’ and ‘off’ of genes).
Name the two types of stem cells…
Embryonic stems cells and Tissue (Adult) stem cells
What do multipotent and pluripotent mean?
Pluripotent means that a steam cell can differentiate into any other cell.
Multi-potent means that the stem cell can only differentiate into the type of cell in the tissue that the stem cell resides in.
What is differentiate (In biology)?
When an unspecialised cell becomes specialised and gains a role and purpose.
Where are embryonic stem cells found?
In the blastocyst (A stage in baby growth) which is produced 4-5 days after fertilisation.
Where can you find tissue stem cells?
In almost any tissue in the body (examples. Skin, Cornea, Bone marrow, Testicles, Breasts).
Out of Embryonic and Tissue stem cells, which is multi-potent and which is pluripotent?
Embryonic - Pluripotent
Tissue - Multi-potent
Why can embryonic stem cells differentiate into any cell?
Because they do not have any of their genes switched off, so they have the potential to become any cell by switching of the right genes.
What is a somatic cell, and where are they found?
A regular body cell, and they are found everywhere in the body.
What are the processes by which somatic cells produce more somatic cells?
Mitosis.
How many chromosomes do somatic cells have and how many sets of chromosomes do they have?
46 chromosomes, and they have two sets of 23 chromosomes each.
Name the different types of tissue that form organs…
- Epithelial
- Muscle
- Connective (Bone & Blood etc.)
- Nerve
State some medical uses for stem cells…
- HSC - Haematpoitic stem cells in the bone marrow for blood transplants
- Skin grafts - Bone marrow transplantation skin cells
- Leuhemia - Bone marrow transplantation
Can mutations in somatic cells be passed on to offspring?
No, mutations in somatic cells are not passed on.
Explain what a germline cell is, and state where it is found…
They are the cells that produce gamete cells. They are sometimes called mother gametes.
They are found in the Ovaries and the Testicles.
