Unit 1- KA 4: Cellular Differentiation

Question 1

Define the term undifferentiated cell.

Answer 1

A cell that does not have a specialised function.

Question 2

Name the undifferentiated cell in plants

Answer 2

Meristems

Question 3

Name the undifferentiated cell in plants and animals and two examples of it.

Answer 3

Stem cells: Embryonic and Tissue

Question 4

Give a definition of cellular differentiation.

Answer 4

Cellular differentiation is 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.

Question 5

Explain how gene expression results in different cell type.

Answer 5

Genes can be switched on to give a cell a particular function.
During differentiation only the genes required for that cell will be switched on. So once a cell becomes differentiated it only expresses the genes that code for the proteins that are required by that particular cell type.

Question 6

Define meristems

Answer 6

Meristems are groups of unspecialised plants cells.

Question 7

Name and describe the two possible fates of cells found in meristematic tissue.

Answer 7

Meristems are capable of self-renewing or differentiating into other specialised cell types.

Question 8

Describe two possible fates of stem cells.

Answer 8

They are able to self renew or differentiate into specialised cells.

Question 9

Explain why embryonic stem cells are pluripotent.

Answer 9

As they can differentiate into all cell types

Question 10

State the function of tissue stem cells.

Answer 10

The are involved in growth, repair and renewal of cells.

Question 11

Explain why tissue stem cells are described as multipotent.

Answer 11

As they are only able to differentiate into a limited range of cell types.

Question 12

Define the term therapeutic stem cell use.

Answer 12

This involves using stem cells to repair damaged or diseased tissues or organs.

Question 12

Define the term therapeutic stem cell use.

Answer 12

This involves using stem cells to repair damaged or diseased tissues or organs.

Question 13

Give two examples of uses of therapeutic stem cells.

Answer 13

Cornea repair - using stem cells to repair damaged cells in the eyes.

Skin grafts - using stem cells to regenerate damaged skin.

Question 14

State which type of stem cell is used for therapeutic and research purposes

Answer 14

Embryonic

Question 15

State two reasons why stem cells are used as model cells.

Answer 15

To study how diseases develop or for drug testing.

Question 16

State 3 cell processes that can be studied using stem cell research

Answer 16

Cell growth
Differentiation
Gene regulation

Question 17

State one ethical consideration for and against the sue of embryonic stem cells

Answer 17

Against- the embryo must be destroyed for the stem cells to be used.

For- it can provide treatment for damaged or diseased cells/tissues.