Biology Stem Cells Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Stem cells can be classified by their potential. Which of the following classifications is NOT correct?

Pluripotent

Totipotent

Bipotent (correct)

Multipotent

What are three identifying characteristics of stem cells?

Ability to divide and grow (correct)

Undifferentiated (correct)

Ability to photosynthesize

Specialized (correct)

What is the process in which cells become specialized in structure and function?

Differentiation

One advantage of adult stem cells is that they are ___ to the donor.

genetically identical Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of embryonic stem cells?

More undifferentiated; can become any/different type of cell Signup and view all the answers

What does totipotent mean?

Cells that are able to develop into any type of cell found in the body Signup and view all the answers

What does pluripotent mean?

Cells that are capable of developing into most, but not all, of the body's cell types Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of stem cell research?

To develop therapies to treat diseases in people Signup and view all the answers

What types of stem cell therapies are being used today?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

How might therapeutic cloning aid stem cell therapies in the future?

By growing cells genetically identical to a patient Signup and view all the answers

What are some potential sources of embryonic stem cells for use in research and treatments?

Discarded/donated embryos after IVF or cloning Signup and view all the answers

What are stem cells?

Cells that are to some degree undifferentiated Signup and view all the answers

Where are embryonic stem cells found?

In embryos Signup and view all the answers

Where are adult stem cells found?

In adults Signup and view all the answers

What are induced pluripotent stem cells?

Adult stem cells that have been induced to become pluripotent Signup and view all the answers

What is somatic cell nuclear transfer?

A process that transfers the nucleus from somatic cells to an egg cell Signup and view all the answers

What is a trophoblast?

Outer rings of cells in the blastocyst that become the placenta Signup and view all the answers

What is a blastocyst?

A hollow sphere of cells that has an inner cell mass Signup and view all the answers

Describe the embryonic stages from day 1 to 5.

Day 1-4 are totipotent, day 5 is pluripotent and develops into the trophoblast. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in somatic cell nuclear transfer?

The egg cell's nucleus is removed to make room for the nucleus from a donor cell. Signup and view all the answers

What are the advantages of induced pluripotent stem cells?

No rejection and no controversy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stem Cells Overview

Stem cells are categorized based on potential: totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent.
They originate from embryonic or adult sources, influencing their capabilities.

Characteristics of Stem Cells

Undifferentiated: Stem cells have not yet developed into specialized cell types.
Specialization: They can differentiate into specific cell types.
Proliferation: Stem cells have the ability to divide and grow.

Differentiation Process

Differentiation is when stem cells specialize in structure and function to perform specific roles.

Advantages of Different Stem Cell Types

Adult Stem Cells: Genetically identical to the donor, minimizing rejection risk during transplantation.
Embryonic Stem Cells: More undifferentiated, allowing them to differentiate into various cell types.

Types of Stem Cells

Totipotent: Capable of developing into any type of cell in the body, including placental cells.
Pluripotent: Can develop into most cell types, but not placental cells.
Multipotent: Have limited potential, able to differentiate into a narrower range of cell types.

Goals and Applications of Stem Cell Research

The primary aim is to develop therapies for diseases.
Current therapies include bone marrow transplants, trachea transplants, skin gun technology, and fingertip regeneration.

Future of Stem Cell Therapies

Therapeutic cloning may produce cells that are genetically identical to the recipient, enhancing treatment efficacy.

Sources of Embryonic Stem Cells

Can be obtained from discarded embryos post-IVF or through cloning processes.

Types of Stem Cells Defined

Embryonic Stem Cells: Derived from embryos.
Adult Stem Cells: Found in adult tissues.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs): Adult cells reprogrammed to exhibit pluripotent characteristics.

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer: Involves transferring a nucleus from a somatic cell to an egg cell for cloning purposes.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Created by introducing pluripotent genes into adult cells, avoiding immune rejection and ethical concerns.

Developmental Stages of an Embryo

A zygote develops into a blastocyst within five days, with the first four cells being totipotent and the fifth becoming pluripotent and differentiating into the trophoblast, which forms the placenta.

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Description

Test your knowledge of stem cells with these flashcards. Learn about their classifications, characteristics, and the process of differentiation. Perfect for biology students seeking to enhance their understanding of this vital topic.