BIO222 Cell Biology: Stem Cells and Cancer Cells

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What is the primary characteristic of a stem cell?

Ability to repair damaged tissue

Ability to differentiate into a specific cell type

Ability to form a new individual

Ability to divide and renew themselves for long periods (correct)

What type of stem cell can develop into a new individual?

Differentiated

Totipotent (correct)

Pluripotent

Multipotent

What is the primary function of multipotent stem cells?

Differentiating into a specific cell type

Forming a number of different tissues (correct)

Forming a new individual

Dividing and renewing themselves

Where are pluripotent stem cells typically found?

In the inner cell mass of a blastocyst Signup and view all the answers

What type of stem cell is found in a five to six-day-old embryo?

Pluripotent Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of stem cells in tissue repair?

Returning function to damaged tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the normal control mechanism in cells?

To regulate cell division and prevent uncontrolled growth Signup and view all the answers

What happens when DNA does not copy itself correctly during cell division?

A gene mutation occurs Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of mutations on cancer cells?

They ignore signals that start and stop the cell cycle Signup and view all the answers

What are carcinogens also known as?

Mutagens Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of DNA checking before cell division?

To ensure correct DNA replication Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of benign tumors?

They can occur anywhere in the body Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of adult stem cells?

They have a more restricted ability to produce different cell types and to self-renew. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of adding certain genes to a cell to make it behave like an embryonic stem cell?

Genetic reprogramming Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) over embryonic stem cells?

No need for embryos. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of malignant tumors?

They invade surrounding tissue and can spread to other parts of the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of cancer cells breaking away from the original tumor and spreading to other parts of the body?

Metastasis Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors?

Malignant tumors are cancerous, while benign tumors are not. Signup and view all the answers