Biology: Stem Cells Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of stem cells?

They only exist in embryos.

They can develop into specialized cell types. (correct)

They cannot regenerate tissues.

They are always differentiated cells.

Which type of stem cells can differentiate into nearly all cell types?

Pluripotent stem cells (correct)

Multipotent stem cells

Totipotent stem cells

Unipotent stem cells

What does plasticity in stem cells refer to?

The genetic makeup of the stem cells.

The ability to repair damaged DNA.

The ability of a cell to differentiate into various cell types. (correct)

The capability to always remain undifferentiated.

Which of the following statements about induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is correct?

iPSCs are made from adult somatic cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the differentiation of stem cells is true?

Differentiation involves turning on specific genes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the main course text mentioned?

Offering a densely packed informational resource Signup and view all the answers

What advantage is highlighted for completing the assigned textbook reading before class?

It improves comprehension and retention of material. Signup and view all the answers

Which resource is described as having detailed illustrations and clear captions?

Campbell et al., Biology: A Global Approach Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes Clark et al., Biology 2e, OpenStax from the main course text?

It is suitable for all levels with straightforward figures. Signup and view all the answers

How is the main course text available to students?

At SUTD library and cohort classroom Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is used to create induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells)?

Cellular reprogramming Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of induced pluripotent stem cells?

They can differentiate into any cell type. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a source of pluripotent stem cells?

Adult somatic cells Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'therapeutic cloning' specifically refer to?

Producing stem cells through somatic cell nuclear transfer Signup and view all the answers

What key feature distinguishes iPS cells from embryonic stem cells?

iPS cells can be produced from adult somatic cells. Signup and view all the answers

What type of microscopy would be most appropriate for visualizing the detailed internal structures of a eukaryotic cell?

Transmission electron microscope Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cell types can be observed using a light microscope?

Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells Signup and view all the answers

Which cellular component is likely to be most easily visualized in a human blood smear?

Hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

What key difference typically distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles Signup and view all the answers

In what way do human buccal epithelial cells differ from onion root tip cells?

Human buccal cells are animal cells, whereas onion root tip cells are plant cells Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells are smaller in size. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes eukaryotic organisms?

They may be unicellular or multicellular. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of prokaryotic cells?

They are typically larger than eukaryotic cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisms is classified as a eukaryote?

Fungi Signup and view all the answers

What is the size range typical for prokaryotic cells?

0.1 – 5 µm Signup and view all the answers

Which of these components is present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Ribosomes Signup and view all the answers

What term is used for organisms that possess prokaryotic cells?

Prokaryotes Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about eukaryotic cells is true?

They possess membrane-bound organelles. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Essential Principles of Biology

Campbell et al.'s Biology: A Global Approach (10th edition) is a comprehensive textbook, detailed and packed with information, available at SUTD library and in cohort classrooms. Figures are detailed and clear.
Clark et al.'s Biology 2e (OpenStax) is a supplementary, freely accessible resource, comprehensive yet suitable for all levels, with simple figures and illustrations.

Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated or partially differentiated cells capable of developing into other specialized cell types.
They exist in embryos and adult tissues.
Differentiation involves gene activation and deactivation.
Plasticity describes a cell's ability to differentiate into various cell types; totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent, and unipotent are varying degrees of plasticity.
Pluripotent stem cells can produce all cell types and hold potential for regenerative medicine.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), generated from adult somatic cells, are a promising stem cell source. Therapeutic cloning (somatic cell nuclear transfer) is another method.

Cell Structure and Organization

Cells are microscopic and have complex structures and molecules.
Visualization techniques include light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy.
Living organisms are classified as prokaryotes or eukaryotes.
Prokaryotes are simple, unicellular organisms like bacteria.
Eukaryotes are more complex, unicellular or multicellular organisms including plants, animals, and fungi.

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles; they are smaller (0.1–5 µm).
Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; they are larger (10–100 µm).
Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have some common components.

Mini-Activities

Microscope viewing of human buccal epithelial cells, onion root tip cells, and human blood cells (RBCs and WBCs) to compare and contrast cell structures.
Building a virtual eukaryotic cell (animal vs. plant).
Cell size and scale exploration using online resources.

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Description

Explore the essential principles of stem cells as discussed in Campbell et al.'s Biology: A Global Approach and Clark et al.'s Biology 2e. Understand the characteristics of stem cells, their differentiation process, and their potential in regenerative medicine. This quiz offers key insights into the plasticity and types of stem cells, including totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent, and unipotent varieties.