Unit 1 (K1) - Differentiation/Division Flashcards
What are somatic cells?
Any cell in the body other than cells involved in reproduction e.g. muscle, nerve, and connective.
How do somatic cells divide?
Somatic cells only divide by mitosis to form more somatic cells.
After mitosis does a somatic cell remain as a haploid or diploid cell?
Diploid
What are germline cells?
Germline cells are gametes (sperm and ova) .
What type of cell division only occurs in germline cells?
Meiosis
What is differentiation?
The process by which a cell expresses genes to produce proteins characteristic for that type of cell. This allows a cell to carry out specialised functions.
Where are embryonic stem cells found?
In the very early embryo (blastocyst).
What types of cells can embryonic stem cells differentiate into?
Embryonic stem cells differentiate into all cell types that make up the individual, so are pluripotent.
What does pluripotent mean?
This is where all the genes in an embryonic stem cell can be expressed.
What are tissue stem cells required for?
The growth, repair and renewal of the cells found in the tissue they are found in.
What type of cells can tissue stem cells differentiate into?
Tissue stem cells can differentiate into all types of cells found in a particular tissue, therefore they are multipotent.
What does multipotent mean?
This is where only some of the genes in a tissue cell can be expressed.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are unspecialised cells which can differentiate to form specialised cells.
What types of cells may develop from tissue stem cells in bone marrow?
Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets etc.
What are the therapeutic uses of stem cells?
This involves the repair of damaged or diseases organs or tissues. For example, regeneration of damaged skin or corneal repair.
What are the research uses of stem cells?
This involves stem cells being used as model cells to study how diseases develop and for drug testing.
What information does research uses of stem cells provide?
Provides information on cell processes such as cell growth, differentiation and gene regulation work.
What are the ethical consideration of using embryonic stem cells?
Use of embryonic stem cells can offer effective treatment for disease and injury, however involves the destruction of embryos.
What is cancer caused by?
Cancer is caused when cells of the body divide uncontrollably and excessively. This results in a mass of abnormal cells called a tumour.
Why do cancer cells divide excessively?
This is because they do not respond to regulatory signals.
How are secondary tumours created?
This happens when cells within the tumour fail to attach to each other, spreading through the body to form secondary tumours.
