Cellular Differentiation and Stem Cells

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Questions and Answers

Which type of stem cell is obtained from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst?

Tissue stem cells

Adult stem cells

Induced pluripotent stem cells

Embryonic stem cells (correct)

What is a key ethical concern associated with embryonic stem cells?

Destruction of the embryo (correct)

Genetic matching to patients

Difficulty in maintenance

Long-term effects are unknown

Which type of stem cell can be generated from somatic cells through genetic reprogramming?

Induced pluripotent stem cells (correct)

Multipotent stem cells

Fetal stem cells

Embryonic stem cells

What is the potency level of tissue stem cells?

Multipotent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a limitation of using induced pluripotent stem cells?

Long-term effects are unknown Signup and view all the answers

What is cellular differentiation?

The process by which cells develop into specialized types Signup and view all the answers

Which is a unique property of stem cells?

Ability to differentiate into various cell types Signup and view all the answers

What are induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS)?

Cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic-like state Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stem cells comes from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst?

Embryonic stem cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main process that controls cellular differentiation?

Differential gene expression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes morphogenesis?

The organization of cells into structured arrangements Signup and view all the answers

One potential application of stem cells includes:

Regenerating damaged tissues and organs Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant ethical issue surrounding stem cells?

The use of human embryos in research Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells do mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into?

Osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method used to create induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells?

Genetic reprogramming Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of induced pluripotent stem cells?

They can only differentiate into specific cell types Signup and view all the answers

Induced pluripotent stem cells behave similarly to which type of stem cell?

Embryonic stem cells Signup and view all the answers

What key factor is added to adult cells to induce them into pluripotent stem cells?

Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes reproductive cloning?

Creating a live birth clone Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant concern regarding the long-term use of induced pluripotent stem cells?

The risk of tumor formation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cloning is used for molecular purposes?

Gene cloning Signup and view all the answers

What is somatic-cell transfer (SCT)?

Cloning a donor nucleus into an enucleated oocyte Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential benefit of therapeutic cloning?

Immunologically compatible cells for transplantation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions might be treated using stem cells?

Parkinson’s disease Signup and view all the answers

What ethical concern is associated with SCT in human cells?

Issues with egg procurement Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cloning aims to generate cell lines with the same genome as the donor?

Therapeutic cloning Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenging aspect of studying disease processes using stem cells?

Obtaining damaged cells for study Signup and view all the answers

In which country is there no regulation for stem cell research?

Ireland Signup and view all the answers

What is an established example of therapeutic use of stem cells?

Bone marrow transplants Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary ethical concern mentioned regarding the destruction of embryos in stem cell research?

If the potential benefits justify the destruction of a single embryo Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) from embryonic stem cells (hES cells)?

iPS cells are derived from adult tissues rather than embryos Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the property of stem cells that allows them to replicate and maintain their numbers indefinitely?

Self-renewal Signup and view all the answers

What is the concern with using somatic-cell transfer (SCT) in stem cell research?

The ethical implications of reproductive cloning Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stem cells is known to be pluripotent?

Embryonic stem cells Signup and view all the answers

What main characteristic allows cells to become specialized through cellular differentiation?

Gene activation Signup and view all the answers

Should legislation differ for iPS cells compared to hES cells?

Yes, due to the significant differences in their origin and development Signup and view all the answers

What question regarding the beginning of life is raised in the context of stem cell research?

Is a human embryo equivalent to a human child? Signup and view all the answers

What is the main driver behind cellular differentiation?

Differential gene expression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of morphogenesis?

The organized spatial distribution of cells Signup and view all the answers

What provides the unique properties of stem cells?

Their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately differentiates between tissue stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS)?

Tissue stem cells are derived from embryos, while iPS cells are generated from somatic cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary factor that limits the applications of embryonic stem cells?

Ethical concerns regarding embryo destruction Signup and view all the answers

What is one fundamental aspect of developmental biology that cellular differentiation relates to?

Formation of specific structures Signup and view all the answers

What is a key application of stem cells in medicine?

Regeneration of damaged tissues Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of human development is linked with the formation of a blastocyst?

Morula formation Signup and view all the answers

Where can tissue stem cells be found?

Muscles, breast, and bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells can haematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow differentiate into?

Red blood cells and platelets Signup and view all the answers

What key characteristic distinguishes tissue stem cells from committed progenitor cells?

Tissue stem cells have a higher potency Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about tissue stem cells is incorrect?

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

What is a common type of tissue stem cell found in the bone marrow?

Haematopoietic stem cells Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the function of transient amplifying cells?

They differentiate into specialized cell types Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly describes tissue stem cells?

They only make the kinds of cells found in their respective tissues Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes multipotent tissue stem cells from specialized cells?

Multipotent cells divide rapidly, while specialized cells do not divide at all Signup and view all the answers

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

They are genetically identical to the donor cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which genes are crucial for the genetic reprogramming of adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells?

Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary method of cloning used for creating identical copies of DNA?

Molecular cloning Signup and view all the answers

Induced pluripotent stem cells are similar to which other type of stem cell in behavior?

Embryonic stem cells Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant long-term concern regarding induced pluripotent stem cells?

They may cause genetic mutations after prolonged use. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the purpose of therapeutic cloning?

It involves producing tissues for patient treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes somatic-cell transfer from other cloning types?

It utilizes adult somatic cells for cloning. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate in the body?

They can form several specialized cell types. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of pluripotent stem cells?

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

What are the primary sources of tissue stem cells?

Adult tissues and the umbilical cord. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical concern is commonly raised regarding the use of embryonic stem cells?

Required destruction of the embryo. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable limitation of induced pluripotent stem cells?

Their long-term effects in humans are currently unknown. Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the ability of stem cells to develop into multiple cell types?

Pluripotency Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of therapeutic cloning?

To derive embryonic cell lines with the same genome as the donor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential application of stem cells?

Treating neurodegenerative diseases Signup and view all the answers

What does somatic-cell transfer (SCT) involve?

Transferring a nucleus from a somatic cell into an enucleated egg cell Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical concern is commonly associated with the use of embryonic stem cells?

The destruction of embryos Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge in using SCT with human cells?

Finding appropriate donors for egg cells Signup and view all the answers

Which option represents a legitimate use of stem cells in regenerative medicine?

Replacing damaged neurons in spinal cord injuries Signup and view all the answers

What factor differentiates therapeutic cloning from reproductive cloning?

Reproductive cloning aims to create entire organisms, while therapeutic cloning is for cell lines Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for the variation in stem cell legislation worldwide?

Cultural beliefs regarding the use of embryos Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cellular Differentiation

Cells within complex organisms differentiate to carry out specific functions
All cells arise from a single fertilised egg cell, containing the same DNA
Differential gene expression leads to cellular differentiation; different genes are expressed by different cells

Stem Cells

Stem cells have two fundamental properties: self-renewal and differentiation
Types of stem cells include:
- Embryonic stem cells (pluripotent): capable of giving rise to all cell types in the body
- Tissue stem cells (multipotent): capable of giving rise to a limited range of cell types within a specific tissue
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells): adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to behave like embryonic stem cells
iPS cells are created through genetic reprogramming: specific genes are added to an adult cell
iPS cells offer advantages, like not requiring embryos and being genetically identical to the donor, but require large numbers of somatic cells and further research
iPS cells can be differentiated into all possible types of specialized cells
iPS cells were discovered by Shinya Yamanaka and John Gurdon, who received the 2012 Nobel Prize

Cloning

There are Three types of cloning
- Reproductive cloning: produces genetically identical individuals
- Therapeutic cloning: produces patient-specific cell lines for therapeutic purposes
- Molecular cloning: used to make copies of DNA segments for research and other purposes

Applications of Stem Cells

Stem cells have potential in regenerative medicine, e.g., treating Parkinson's disease, heart disease, diabetes, and spinal cord injuries
Stem cells can be used for drug testing and screening: large amounts of identical cells can be directed to produce specific cell types
Stem cells are essential for studying disease processes: diseased cells can be used to model the disease
Stem cell research has the potential to revolutionize medicine, but it raises ethical questions around morality, embryo use, and consent

Ethical Issues

Stem cell research raises ethical questions, including:
- When does life begin?
- Are embryos equivalent to human beings?
- Do embryos have rights?
- Is the destruction of an embryo justified for therapeutic benefit?
- Are iPS cells as ethical as hES cells?
Debate continues regarding the use of hES cells vs iPS cells, with iPS cells providing an alternative to hES cells, but potentially developing into a human embryo.
iPS cells are not exactly the same as hES cells, but provide important controls for hES research.
Legislation on stem cell research varies around the globe.
Stem cell research is prohibited in many countries, however, some countries (US, UK, Australia) allow the creation of new cell lines from spare embryos from fertility clinics with donor consent.
Ireland is one of the few European countries with no regulations on stem cell research.

Cellular differentiation and stem cell

Cellular differentiation is the process by which less specialized cells become more specialized cell types.
This happens due to differential gene expression: cells differentiate because they express different genes.
Stem cells: are undifferentiated cells that can renew themselves and differentiate into specialized cell types.
Stem cells are categorized into three main types: embryonic, tissue, and induced pluripotent (iPS) stem cells.

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs)

ESCs are derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst.
They are pluripotent, meaning they can differentiate into all cell types of the body.
ESC research is controversial due to ethical concerns surrounding the destruction of embryos.

Tissue stem cells

Tissue stem cells are found in various tissues throughout the body, including the surface of the eye, brain, skin, breast, testicles, intestines, bone marrow, and muscles.
They are multipotent, able to differentiate into a limited number of cell types specific to their tissue of origin.
Examples of tissue stem cells include hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) found in the bone marrow which can give rise to all types of blood cells, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) found in the bone marrow which can differentiate into bone, cartilage, and fat.
Tissue stem cells play a crucial role in tissue renewal and repair.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS)

iPS cells are created through genetic reprogramming by introducing four transcription factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc) into adult cells.
This process transforms adult cells into pluripotent stem cells capable of differentiating into all cell types.
iPS cell technology was developed by Shinya Yamanaka and John Gurdon and awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
iPS cells offer the potential for personalized regenerative medicine as they are genetically identical to the patient, minimizing the risk of immune rejection.

Applications of Stem Cells

One of the most promising applications of stem cell research is in the field of regenerative medicine, aiming to replace cells lost due to diseases like Parkinson's, heart disease, diabetes, and spinal cord injury.
Stem cells can be utilized for drug testing and screening by using large quantities of identical cells to study the effects of drugs.
Studying disease processes in disease models utilizing diseased cells can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of disease development.

Ethical Issues Surrounding Stem Cell Research

The use of embryonic stem cells raises ethical concerns due to the destruction of embryos.
Ethical considerations regarding the informed consent of donors, particularly for embryonic stem cells, are crucial.
While iPS cells offer an alternative to ESCs by avoiding embryo destruction, long-term effects of genetic reprogramming remain to be fully understood.
The use of stem cells in research and therapeutic applications requires careful ethical consideration and appropriate legislation.

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Description

Explore the fascinating processes of cellular differentiation and the role of stem cells in organism development. This quiz covers various types of stem cells and their unique properties, including the mechanism of induced pluripotent stem cells. Test your understanding of how cells specialize and the implications for medical research.