BENG0011 - Pluripotent Stem Cells Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of totipotent cells?

They are restricted to forming muscle cells.

They are only found in adults.

They can divide to produce all differentiated cells in an organism. (correct)

They can differentiate into specialized cells only.

A morula consists of approximately 16 differentiated cells.

False

What stage of development follows the morula stage in human embryology?

blastocyst

The cells that can differentiate into all cell types needed in the body are known as __________ cells.

pluripotent Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms with their definitions:

Zygote = Formed when the sperm joins with the egg. Differentiation = To change and become more specialised. Blastocyst = A very early embryo, approximately 50-100 cells. Multipotent = Cells that can divide into somatic cells of certain lineages. Signup and view all the answers

What do tissue engineers use pluripotent embryonic stem cells for?

To replace, repair, or regenerate tissues. Signup and view all the answers

Multipotent cells can produce all types of specialized cells in the body.

False Signup and view all the answers

At what stage are cells considered to be pluripotent?

After they have begun to differentiate from the inner cell mass. Signup and view all the answers

The __________ mass becomes more specialized and begins to differentiate into various cell types.

inner cell Signup and view all the answers

How many hours after fertilization does the zygote divide into four cells?

1-2 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of pluripotent stem cells?

Ability to differentiate into all cell types Signup and view all the answers

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be generated from somatic cells.

True Signup and view all the answers

Describe the process of differentiation in stem cells.

Differentiation is the process by which a stem cell changes into a specialized cell type, involving specification, determination, and maturation. Signup and view all the answers

The main source of pluripotent stem cells in humans is __________.

embryonic stem cells Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of stem cells to their characteristics:

Pluripotent cells = Can become any cell type Multipotent cells = Limited to a specific family of cells Somatic cells = Not able to differentiate into multiple types .haematopoietic stem cells = Give rise to blood cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of stem cells?

They are a source for cell-based therapies Signup and view all the answers

Terminal differentiation means that a cell can still change into other cell types.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is self-renewal in the context of stem cells?

Self-renewal is the ability of stem cells to replicate and divide while maintaining their undifferentiated state. Signup and view all the answers

Adult stem cells such as haematopoietic stem cells are an example of __________ cells.

multipotent Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of stem cells to their sources:

Embryonic stem cells = Derived from early stage embryos Adult stem cells = Found in mature tissues Induced pluripotent stem cells = Reprogrammed from somatic cells Mesenchymal stem cells = Located in bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

Who isolated mouse embryonic stem cells for the first time?

Martin Evans and Matthew Kaufman Signup and view all the answers

The term ‘Embryonic stem cell’ was coined by James Thomson.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of stem cells are known for their ability to differentiate into any cell type?

Pluripotent stem cells Signup and view all the answers

In what year was a limit placed on Federal funding for hESC research?

2001 Signup and view all the answers

Match the following individuals with their contributions to stem cell research:

Martin Evans = First isolation of mouse embryonic stem cells Gail Martin = Coined the term ‘Embryonic stem cell’ James Thomson = Developed human embryonic cell culture techniques Shinya Yamanaka = Developed iPSC technology Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary ethical concern associated with embryonic stem cells?

Destruction of the embryo Signup and view all the answers

IPSCs are genetically reprogrammed adult cells that mimic embryonic stem cells.

True Signup and view all the answers

Why are iPSCs unlikely to result in immune rejection?

They are near identical to the donor's cells Signup and view all the answers

The introduction of reprogramming factors into adult cells is currently done using ______.

viruses Signup and view all the answers

What significant event did James Thomson achieve in 1998?

Developed techniques to culture human embryonic cells Signup and view all the answers

What defines pluripotent stem cells?

Their capacity to differentiate into specialized cell types Signup and view all the answers

Adult stem cells can differentiate into all specialized cell types in the body.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of self-renewal in stem cells?

It allows the maintenance of the stem cell pool throughout an organism's life. Signup and view all the answers

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are generated from __________ cells.

somatic Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of stem cell with its definition:

Pluripotent = Can develop into nearly any cell type Multipotent = Can differentiate into a limited range of cell types Somatic Cells = Mature cells that are not stem cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a stage that precedes differentiation in stem cells?

Commitment Signup and view all the answers

Terminal differentiation means a cell can still change into other cell types.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main types of stem cells based on maturity?

Pluripotent and Multipotent Signup and view all the answers

The process by which a cell changes from one type to another is called __________.

differentiation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tissues requires the maintenance of stem cells?

Blood Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells can give rise to all types of specialized cells in an organism but not the cells needed for early embryo development?

Pluripotent Signup and view all the answers

A morula consists of approximately 4 differentiated cells.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is formed when a sperm meets an egg?

zygote Signup and view all the answers

The stage of development that consists of 50-100 cells is known as the __________.

blastocyst Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell can give rise to certain lineages of somatic cells?

Multipotent Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Totipotent = Can produce all cell types including embryonic structures Pluripotent = Can produce all specialized cells in the body Multipotent = Can give rise to a limited range of cells Differentiation = The process of cells becoming specialized Signup and view all the answers

The inner cell mass (ICM) of the blastocyst becomes the trophoblast.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of totipotent cells?

Ability to produce all differentiated cells, including extra-embryonic structures Signup and view all the answers

The cells of the inner cell mass (ICM) start to differentiate into all types of cells needed in the body, which renders them __________.

pluripotent Signup and view all the answers

At what point do cells start to differentiate from their original state?

Blastocyst stage Signup and view all the answers

What significant advancement in stem cell research was made by James Thomson in 1998?

Development of human embryonic stem cells in culture Signup and view all the answers

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are derived from embryonic stem cells.

False Signup and view all the answers

In which year were mouse embryonic stem cells first isolated?

1981 Signup and view all the answers

The destruction of the embryo is a significant ethical concern associated with __________ cells.

embryonic stem Signup and view all the answers

Match the following researchers with their contributions to stem cell research:

Martin Evans = Isolated mouse embryonic stem cells Gail Martin = Coined the term ‘Embryonic stem cell’ Shinya Yamanaka = Developed iPSC technology James Thomson = Isolated human embryonic stem cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of pluripotent stem cells?

Ability to differentiate into almost all cell types Signup and view all the answers

Proposition 71 aimed to establish the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are adult stem cells an example of?

multipotent cells Signup and view all the answers

Viruses are currently used to introduce the __________ factors into adult cells.

reprogramming Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about iPSCs is true?

They are identical matches to the donor's genetic material. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stem Cells Overview

Stem cells are vital for cell-based therapies due to their abilities of self-renewal and potency.
Self-renewal allows stem cells to replicate while remaining undifferentiated.
Potency refers to the ability to differentiate into various specialized cell types.

Importance of Stem Cells

Stem cells maintain their population throughout life, ensuring tissue function.
Critical for the maintenance of tissues such as blood, skin, gut, and muscle.

Differentiation Process

Differentiation is a multi-stage process where cells change from one type to another, promoting cellular specialization.
Key stages include specification, determination, and terminal differentiation.

Types of Stem Cells

Pluripotent cells: Embryonic stem cells capable of differentiating into nearly any cell type.
Multipotent cells: Adult stem cells, such as hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, limited to specific lineages.
Totipotent cells: Can give rise to all cell types, including extraembryonic tissues.

Stem Cell Development

Initial zygote stage features totipotent cells that eventually form a morula and then a blastocyst.
Inner cell mass from the blastocyst gives rise to pluripotent stem cells.

Key Terminology

Totipotent: Can develop into all differentiated cell types and support early embryo formation.
Pluripotent: Can differentiate into all major cell types except those needed for early embryonic development.
Multipotent: Limited differentiation potential restricted to specific lineages.

Historical Milestones

1981: First isolation of mouse embryonic stem cells by Martin Evans and Matthew Kaufman.
1981: Gail Martin coines the term "Embryonic stem cell."
1998: James Thomson successfully isolates and grows human embryonic stem cells.
2007: Shinya Yamanaka publishes the derivation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Ethical Considerations

Human embryonic stem cell research is controversial due to the destruction of embryos involved.
Federal funding for hESC research was limited starting August 2001.
Proposition 71 in California led to the establishment of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

Created by genetically reprogramming adult cells to a stem cell-like state through "de-differentiation."
Currently, viral methods are used to introduce reprogramming factors.
iPSCs are likely to match the donor closely, minimizing risks of immune rejection.

Stem Cells Overview

Stem cells are vital for cell-based therapies due to their abilities of self-renewal and potency.
Self-renewal allows stem cells to replicate while remaining undifferentiated.
Potency refers to the ability to differentiate into various specialized cell types.

Importance of Stem Cells

Stem cells maintain their population throughout life, ensuring tissue function.
Critical for the maintenance of tissues such as blood, skin, gut, and muscle.

Differentiation Process

Differentiation is a multi-stage process where cells change from one type to another, promoting cellular specialization.
Key stages include specification, determination, and terminal differentiation.

Types of Stem Cells

Pluripotent cells: Embryonic stem cells capable of differentiating into nearly any cell type.
Multipotent cells: Adult stem cells, such as hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, limited to specific lineages.
Totipotent cells: Can give rise to all cell types, including extraembryonic tissues.

Stem Cell Development

Initial zygote stage features totipotent cells that eventually form a morula and then a blastocyst.
Inner cell mass from the blastocyst gives rise to pluripotent stem cells.

Key Terminology

Totipotent: Can develop into all differentiated cell types and support early embryo formation.
Pluripotent: Can differentiate into all major cell types except those needed for early embryonic development.
Multipotent: Limited differentiation potential restricted to specific lineages.

Historical Milestones

1981: First isolation of mouse embryonic stem cells by Martin Evans and Matthew Kaufman.
1981: Gail Martin coines the term "Embryonic stem cell."
1998: James Thomson successfully isolates and grows human embryonic stem cells.
2007: Shinya Yamanaka publishes the derivation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Ethical Considerations

Human embryonic stem cell research is controversial due to the destruction of embryos involved.
Federal funding for hESC research was limited starting August 2001.
Proposition 71 in California led to the establishment of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

Created by genetically reprogramming adult cells to a stem cell-like state through "de-differentiation."
Currently, viral methods are used to introduce reprogramming factors.
iPSCs are likely to match the donor closely, minimizing risks of immune rejection.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of pluripotent stem cells in the context of regenerative medicine. Students will learn about the different types of stem cells, the isolation and characterization of human embryonic stem cells, and the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells. Understanding the differentiation potential of these cells is also a key focus.