Unit 1 Key area 4 Flashcards
Explain what is meant by the term cellular differentiation?
Cellular differentiation is the process by which a cell expresses certain genes to produce proteins that are characteristic for that type of cell. Cellular differentiation allows cells to perform specialised functions
What is meant by a meristem?
Meristems are regions of unspecialised cells in plants that have the ability to self renew to differentiate into different types of specialized cells
What is a stem cell?
A stem cell is an undifferentiated cell in an animal that can divide in order to self renew and differentiate into different specialised cells
State the two types of stem cells?
- Embryonic stem cells
- Adult tissue stem cells
Describe the features of an embryonic stem cell?
Embryonic stem cells are found during the early development stages of an embryo and are said to be “pluripotent” because of their ability to differentiate into any type of cell that makes up the organism.
(all the genes in an embryonic stem cell can be expressed, hence embryonic stem cells are able to differentiate into any type of cell)
Describe the features of an adult tissue stem cell?
Adult tissue stem cells are involved in the growth and repair of tissue in an organism. They are described as being multipotent as they are capable of differentiating into many different types of cells found within a type of tissue. These stem cells are found in places like bone marrow.
State three examples of the therapeutic uses of stem cells?
- Stem cells can be used in corneal repair
- Stem cells can be used in regeneration of damaged skin
- Stem cells can be used in the repair of damaged or diseased organs or tissues
State three examples of the Research uses of stem cells?
- Stem cells can be used as model cells to investigate how diseases develop.
- Stem cells can be used in drug testing
- Stem cells can be used to investigate cellular processes such as cellular differentiation, cell growth, and gene “regulation”.
Explain the ethical concerns when using embryonic stem cells?
On one hand using stem cells can offer effective treatment for diseases and injuries. However the use of embryonic stem cells requires the destruction of the embryo.
