Unit 1.1 Differentiation And Division Of Human Cells Flashcards
What is a somatic cell?
Somatic cells are any cells in the body other than the ones involved in reproduction
How do somatic cells divide?
Mitosis
What is a germline cell?
Gametes (sperm and ova) and the stem cells which divide to form gametes
How do germline cells divide?
Meiosis to for gametes
Mitosis for haploid germline cells
What is a stem cell?
A stem cell is an unspecialised cell which can divide to make copies of them selves and or differentiate into specialised cells
What is the difference between embryonic and tissue stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, whereas tissue stem cells are multipotent
What is cellular differentiation?
Cellular differentiation is when a cell develops more specialised functions by expressing certain genes to produce proteins characteristic for that type of cell
What are the therapeutic uses for stem cells
Skin grafts and corneal repair
How are cancer cells different from normal cells?
Cancer cells do not respond to regulatory signals
How is a secondary tumour formed?
When cells within a tumour fail to attach to each other, they then enter the circulatory system causing them to spread throughout the body
