Cell Theory and Stem Cells in Biology

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Questions and Answers

What is the fundamental unit of life according to the cell theory?

Cells (correct)

Organelles

Molecules

Atoms

Why do larger cells undergo cell division?

To increase their size for better functioning

To maintain a stable surface area to volume ratio (correct)

To generate energy for the cell

To replicate genetic material

What is the main function of stem cells in multicellular organisms?

Producing energy for the organism

Supporting the structure of the organism

Creating specialized cells through gene expression (correct)

Regulating the organism's temperature

In what context can stem cells be used for therapies?

Treating severe burns by generating new tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is the exception to the cell theory regarding cell formation?

Striated muscle fibers with multiple nuclei Signup and view all the answers

Why do cells have to maintain a stable surface area to volume ratio?

To support themselves and maintain homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

What role do stem cells play in generating new tissues for severe burns?

They can turn into multiple specialized cells through gene expression Signup and view all the answers

Which function of life does Paramecium, a single-celled organism, demonstrate?

Metabolism and reproduction Signup and view all the answers

In what context can stem cells be a subject of ethical debate?

Their source, such as human embryos Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of cell differentiation within multicellular organisms?

It creates specific cells with specific functions Signup and view all the answers

Why is biology considered to be founded on principles from physics and chemistry?

To study the physical and chemical interactions in living things Signup and view all the answers

Why can't cells get too large?

They would not be able to support themselves and maintain homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of life?

Reproduction, metabolism, responsiveness, homeostasis, growth, excretion, and nutrition. Signup and view all the answers

How can stem cells be used for treating Stargardt's disease?

Stem cell-derived photoreceptors can be used to treat vision loss caused by Stargardt's disease. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the surface area to volume ratio for larger cells?

Larger cells undergo cell division to maintain a stable surface area to volume ratio. Signup and view all the answers

What are the principles on which biology is founded?

Biology is founded on principles from physics and chemistry. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of cell differentiation in multicellular organisms?

Cell differentiation creates specific cells with specific functions within multicellular organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What are the exceptions to the cell theory regarding cell formation?

Striated muscle fibers with multiple nuclei, and large algae considered as single cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of stem cells in multicellular organisms?

Stem cells are precursor cells that can turn into multiple specialized cells through gene expression. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical debates exist regarding the sources of stem cells?

Ethical debates exist regarding the use of human embryos as a source of stem cells. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biology is the study of living things, founded on principles from physics and chemistry.
Life is composed of cells, which are the smallest unit of life.
Cells have specific parts, and all living things are made up of cells or cell-like products.
Cell theory states that all cells come from pre-existing cells via cell division.
Exceptions to this rule include striated muscle fibers with multiple nuclei, and large algae considered as single cells.
Functions of life include reproduction, metabolism, responsiveness, homeostasis, growth, excretion, and nutrition.
Paramecium, a single-celled organism, can meet all the requirements of life.
Cells cannot get too large, as they would not be able to support themselves and maintain homeostasis.
Larger cells undergo cell division to maintain a stable surface area to volume ratio.
Stem cells are precursor cells that can turn into multiple specialized cells through gene expression.
Cell differentiation creates specific cells with specific functions within multicellular organisms.
Stem cells can be used for various therapies, such as generating new tissues for severe burns.
Ethical debates exist regarding the sources of stem cells, specifically human embryos.
Stargardt's disease, an inherited condition causing vision loss, can be treated with stem cell-derived photoreceptors.

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Description

Test your knowledge of cell theory, the functions of life, cell size limitations, and the applications of stem cells in biology. This quiz covers concepts such as cell division, cell differentiation, and ethical considerations regarding stem cell research.