Unit One - Key Area 1 Flashcards
What are somatic cells?
all cells except those involved in reproduction.
What are germline cells?
gametes and the stem cells which divide to form gametes.
Are somatic and germline cells diploid or haploid?
diploid
Describe the role of somatic and germline cells during mitosis?
they both can divide by mitosis to produce more somatic/germline stem cells.
Which chromosome does mitosis maintain?
the diploid chromosome
Describe the process of meiosis?
it is used for the production of gametes (sperm and eggs) and it undergoes two divisions, firstly separating homologous chromosomes and secondly separating chromatids.
What is the process of differentiation?
when a stem cell (unspecialised cell) turns into a specialised cell.
What are the genes expressed used to produce?
proteins characteristic of that type of specialised cell.
What are the two main sources of stem cells?
embryo and tissue cells
How would you describe embryonic stem cells?
all genes are switched on and can be described as pluripotent.
Define pluripotent?
They can differentiate into all cell types.
How would you describe tissue stem cells?
genes are switched off and can be described a multipotent
Define multipotent?
they can only differentiate into the types of cell found in a particular tissue type
How can stem cells be used?
therapeutic uses (skin grafts, repairing damaged tissue) and research uses (drug testing, researching new medicine).
What is a cancer?
an uncontrolled growth of cells.
