Cell Biology: Stem Cells and Specialization

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What is the main function of stem cells in the body?

To provide structure to tissues and organs

To transmit genetic information from one generation to the next

To replace damaged cells or cells lost due to diseases (correct)

To produce hormones that regulate growth and development

Where are stem cells typically found in adult organisms?

In specific areas such as bone marrow and gonads (correct)

Only in the inner cell mass of the blastocyte

Only in embryonic organisms

In all tissues and organs

What is a characteristic of stem cells that allows them to differentiate into various cell types?

Their ability to reproduce rapidly

Their unspecialized or undifferentiated state (correct)

Their ability to self-regenerate

Their ability to undergo mitosis

What is the term for the process by which a stem cell divides to form more cells?

Cell division Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of stem cells in therapeutic applications?

They have been of great interest for treating various diseases and conditions Signup and view all the answers

What are the two defining characteristics of stem cells?

Self-regeneration and unspecialized state Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using stem cells from the umbilical cord?

They are easily accessible Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of reprogramming adult cells?

To create induced pluripotent stem cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a concern about stem cell research?

It raises ethical questions about when human life begins Signup and view all the answers

Why might stem cell research be controversial?

Because it may lead to human cloning Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of using a person's own stem cells?

They have less chance of being rejected by the body Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about pluripotent cells?

They can develop into many types of cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of totipotent stem cells?

Ability to differentiate into cells from all three germ layers including placental cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of stem cell therapy?

To promote the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important use of stem cells?

Tissue regeneration Signup and view all the answers

What type of stem cells can differentiate into cells from all three germ layers with the exception of placenta?

Pluripotent cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of unipotent stem cells?

Ability to produce cells of their own type Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between stem cells and other cells?

Stem cells can differentiate into different cell types Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge in organ transplantation?

Finding a suitable donor Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of instructing stem cells to differentiate in a specific way?

To grow a specific tissue type or organ Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the 2013 experiment reported in PNAS Early Edition?

The formation of blood-perfused vessels in laboratory mice Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential application of stem cells in brain disease treatment?

Replacement of damaged tissues with stem cell-derived cells Signup and view all the answers

What type of stem cells are currently used to treat diseases such as leukemia and sickle cell anemia?

Adult hematopoietic stem cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential benefit of using stem cells in cardiovascular disease treatment?

Replacing damaged blood vessels with stem cell-derived vessels Signup and view all the answers

What should individuals considering stem-cell treatment do to ensure the product's safety and effectiveness?

Check with the FDA for approval Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with some stem-cell treatments?

They may be illegal Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to verify the manufacturing process of stem-cell treatments?

To ensure the product meets FDA standards Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended resource for individuals seeking information on stem-cell treatments?

FDA website Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with unapproved stem-cell treatments?

They may be dangerous Signup and view all the answers

What should individuals do before undergoing stem-cell treatment?

Verify the product's approval and manufacturing process Signup and view all the answers