Embryology Quiz: Cellular Development
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Questions and Answers

What is the name of the outer ring of cells in a blastocyst?

  • Inner cell mass
  • Blastomere
  • Morula
  • Trophoblast (correct)
  • What is the primary source of embryonic stem (ES) cells?

  • Morula cells
  • Blastomere cells
  • Inner cell mass cells (correct)
  • Trophoblast cells
  • What is the name of the process by which one cell population influences the development of neighboring cells?

  • Mitosis
  • Induction (correct)
  • Cytoplasmic Determination
  • Differentiation
  • What are cytoplasmic determinants?

    <p>Substances within the egg cell that influence early development (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a feature of the morula stage of development?

    <p>A hollow ball of cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of cellular differentiation?

    <p>To enable cells to perform specific functions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following plays a crucial role in mediating proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis during development?

    <p>Specific signaling pathways (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the zygote after fertilization in the oviduct?

    <p>It continues to divide during its travel to the uterus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first stage of embryonic development following fertilization?

    <p>2-cell stage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as determining haemopoiesis and muscle cell differentiation?

    <p>Environmental therapy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which retinoid is classified as a pan-RAR agonist?

    <p>Alitretinoin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the primary target of bexarotene?

    <p>RXR (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the trade name for all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)?

    <p>Tretinoin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an irreversible characteristic associated with mature keratinocytes?

    <p>Cessation of DNA synthesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents a reversible characteristic in cells?

    <p>Re-induction of albumin synthesis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Acyclic retinoid exhibits activity against which of the following receptor subtypes?

    <p>RAR and RXR (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following retinoids is used in the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma?

    <p>Alitretinoin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a marker for terminal differentiation in erythrocytes?

    <p>Hemoglobin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process is primarily responsible for initiating and promoting differentiation in cells?

    <p>Heterotypic cell interaction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Considering the provided data, which retinoid is used in combination with interferon for the treatment of some head and neck cancers?

    <p>Isotretinoin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of poorly differentiated tumors in the context of cancer progression?

    <p>Lower survival rates (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a therapeutic application of Fenretidine?

    <p>Breast cancer treatment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which retinoid is associated with the trade name 'Panretin'?

    <p>Alitretinoin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of mesoderm in embryonic development?

    <p>It induces the ectoderm to form neural tissue. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of inductive event results in a choice between one fate or another?

    <p>Binary (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mechanism allows multiple cell fates based on the level of a signaling molecule?

    <p>Gradient (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is cell type specificity determined during development?

    <p>By selective gene transcription. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the term 'morphogens'?

    <p>Signaling molecules that determine cell fate based on concentration. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to genes in a given cell during selective gene transcription?

    <p>Only genes necessary for basic metabolism are active. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the relay aspect of inductive events?

    <p>A cascade of signals affecting neighboring cells. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of transcription in embryonic cell differentiation?

    <p>It allows cells to perform specialized functions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of micro-RNAs in cellular processes?

    <p>They prevent gene expression. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following are components of pancreatic acinar cells?

    <p>Digestive enzymes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do extracellular factors play in cell differentiation?

    <p>They can trigger changes in transcription levels. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is hematopoiesis?

    <p>The development of blood cells from stem cells. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the function of Dicer in the context of micro-RNAs?

    <p>It cleaves precursor miRNA into shorter segments. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are universal blood stem cells capable of forming?

    <p>Both myeloid and lymphoid precursors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant effect of binding miRNA to its target mRNA?

    <p>It leads to the blockage of translation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Actin and myosin are primarily associated with which type of cells?

    <p>Muscle cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Cell Differentiation

    The process by which cells become specialized to perform specific functions, differing from their original state.

    Development from Zygote to Adult

    Cell differentiation, morphogenesis (shape changes), and cell division all contribute to the development of a complete organism from a single cell.

    Cell Interactions and Signaling

    Specialized signaling pathways within cells are turned on or off based on interactions with other cells and the environment, impacting cell division, differentiation, and death.

    Stem Cell Differentiation

    The process by which cells with the potential to become any cell type (pluripotent) differentiate into specific types, contributing to tissue formation.

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    Hematopoiesis

    The formation of blood cells from stem cells, influenced by signals and factors within the bone marrow.

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    Morula

    A stage in early embryonic development where the embryo is a ball of cells, resembling a mulberry. This stage occurs during the first week of development, and the embryo doesn't increase in size.

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    Blastocyst

    The second major stage in embryonic development after the morula, characterized by a hollow ball of cells with an outer layer called the trophoblast and an inner mass of cells called the inner cell mass (ICM).

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    Embryonic Stem Cells

    A type of stem cell derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst. These cells have the potential to develop into any type of cell in the body.

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    Cytoplasmic Determinants

    Substances within an egg that influence early development, often unevenly distributed in the unfertilized egg. These substances can influence gene expression and the fate of cells during early development.

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    Induction

    A process in development where one group of cells influences the development of neighboring cells, often affecting their differentiation pathways. It's a key mechanism for shaping tissues and organs.

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    Induction during development

    The process by which one group of cells influences the development of another group of cells.

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    Binary induction

    A type of induction where cells have a choice between two fates, one of which is triggered by the presence of a signal.

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    Gradient induction

    A type of induction where the concentration of a signaling molecule determines the fate of cells.

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    Relay induction

    A type of induction where a signal triggers a cascade of events, influencing the fate of surrounding cells.

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    Morphogen

    A signaling molecule used in gradient induction, influencing cell fate based on its concentration.

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    Inducer

    A signaling molecule that activates a pathway inside a cell.

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    Cell type specificity

    The specific genes that are active in a cell determine its unique characteristics and function.

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    Irreversible Characteristic

    A cell type that has permanently lost the ability to divide and differentiate, such as a mature keratinocyte, which no longer replicates its DNA.

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    Reversible Characteristic

    A cell type that can still divide and differentiate into other cell types, such as a hepatocyte, which can resume albumin synthesis if needed.

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    Differentiation Process

    The process by which stem cells, which can self-renew, develop into more specialized cell types, such as progenitor cells, losing the ability to self- renew but still capable of becoming specific cell types.

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    Markers of Differentiation

    These are markers expressed by a group of cells that indicate their specific identity and function. They are used to identify and track the process of differentiation.

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    Heterotypic Cell Interaction

    Paracrine signaling between cells, in which one cell secretes a signaling molecule that affects the differentiation of a neighboring cell. This is crucial for the coordinated development of tissues and organs.

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    MicroRNA (miRNA)

    A type of RNA molecule that regulates gene expression by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA) and inhibiting its translation into protein.

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    Dicer

    An enzyme that cuts double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into short segments.

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    RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex)

    A protein complex that associates with one strand of miRNA, forming a functional complex that can bind to target mRNAs.

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    Hemangioblast

    An embryonic stem cell that gives rise to both blood vessels and universal blood stem cells.

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    Universal Blood Stem Cells

    A type of stem cell that can differentiate into both myeloid and lymphoid precursor cells, ultimately leading to the formation of various blood cells.

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    Morphogenesis

    The process by which cells change their shape, size, and structure, leading to the formation of organs and tissues.

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    Nuclear Receptors

    A type of protein that binds to specific DNA sequences and regulates gene expression. They are involved in many biological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and development.

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    Retinoids

    A group of chemical compounds that are derived from vitamin A and play a crucial role in cell growth, differentiation, and immune function. They can bind to nuclear receptors, altering gene expression.

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    Retinoic Acid Receptor (RAR)

    A type of nuclear receptor that specifically binds to retinoic acid, a type of retinoid. They regulate gene expression pathways involved in development, differentiation, and immune function.

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    Retinoid X Receptor (RXR)

    A type of nuclear receptor that works together with RAR to activate specific genes. They are involved in many biological processes, including vision, lipid metabolism,and immune responses.

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    All-trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA)

    A type of retinoic acid that can bind to both RAR and RXR receptors. It is often used in cancer treatment due to its ability to induce differentiation and inhibit cell growth.

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    Retinoids for Chemoprevention

    A pharmaceutical application of retinoids that aims to prevent the development of cancer by targeting genes involved in cell growth and differentiation.

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    Retinoids for Cancer Therapies

    A pharmaceutical application of retinoids that aims to treat existing cancer by targeting genes involved in cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.

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    Retinoid-based Therapy for Promyelocytic Leukemia

    A specific type of cancer treatment that uses retinoids to induce differentiation in cancer cells, causing them to lose their malignant properties and become more like normal cells.

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    Study Notes

    Cell Differentiation Control

    • Cellular differentiation is the process by which cells or parts of an organism become different from each other and their previous state.
    • It's also the process by which cells or tissues of an organism acquire the ability to perform specialized functions.
    • The transformation from zygote to adult results from cell division, cell differentiation, and morphogenesis.
    • Cells interact with each other and their environment. This interaction turns on or off specific signaling pathways.
    • These pathways are crucial for mediating proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis during development.
    • Fertilization of an egg takes place in the oviduct.
    • The fertilized zygote travels to the uterus for implantation, dividing mitotically (2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell stages...).
    • The embryo reaches the morula stage (a ball of small cells) and the blastocyst stage (the second embryonic stage).
    • The ICM cells form embryonic stem cells (ES cells).

    Cytoplasmic Determinants and Inductive Signals

    • An egg's cytoplasm contains RNA, proteins, and other substances distributed unevenly.
    • Cytoplasmic determinants are maternal substances that influence early development.
    • As the zygote divides by mitosis, cells contain different cytoplasmic determinants, leading to variations in gene expression.

    Cellular Interactions in Development: Induction

    • Interactions between germ layer cells influence stem cell fate and differentiation pathways.
    • Induction is a mechanism where one cell population influences the development of neighboring cells.
    • Example: Mesoderm induces ectoderm to form neural tissue (e.g.).
    • Binary induction: a choice between one fate or another based on signal presence or absence.
    • Gradient induction: multiple fates depend on signal level (morphogens).
    • Relay induction: cascading signals determine cell fates in proximity. These cells produce more signals that affect nearby cells.

    Cellular Transduction Pathway

    • A sequence of molecular events that transmits a signal from the cell's exterior to the interior to initiate a specific internal response.
    • Signal transduction pathways are vital for cell signaling processes, such as growth, cell division, differentiation, and survival.
    • Signaling molecules are part of signal transduction.
    • These influence gene expressions inside a cell, and ultimately the cell function.

    Cell Type Specificity

    • Cell uniqueness comes from unique portions of the genome that are expressed.
    • The process involves transcription, mRNA production, protein expression, and the execution of a cell's unique function.

    Where does it begin differentiation?

    • Differentiation begins in the in-vivo (in living organism) fertilized egg, leading to the 8-cell embryo.
    • The next stages are totipotent, during cell culture, and pluripotent (blastocyst), which can form various parts of the embryo.
    • From these stem cells, further differentiation forms neural cells, muscle cells, and blood cells, and other tissues.

    Selective Gene Transcription

    • In any cell, only the genes needed for basic metabolism and the cell's specific functions are active.
    • Muscle cells express genes for actin and myosin proteins.
    • Pancreatic acinar cells produce digestive enzymes.
    • Neurons have genes for tubulin and neurotransmitters.

    Control of Cell Differentiation (General and Genomic Level)

    • Control mechanisms include genomic level control (DNA level), transcription (copying genes into RNA), transcription levels (amount of a gene produced as RNA), and extracellular factors (such as growth factors and hormones).
    • Specific factors, like microRNAs, work to regulate specific gene expressions.

    Control of Cell Differentiation (MicroRNAs)

    • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) control gene expression by affecting gene translation or degradation.
    • The process frequently involves base pairing between miRNAs and mRNA sequences to affect transcript expression.

    Differentiation of Blood Cells

    • Hematopoiesis is the creation of blood cells.
    • Universal blood stem cells (produced via the hemangioblast) create myeloid and lymphoid precursors.
    • Myeloid precursors create cells like red blood cells (transporting oxygen, carbon dioxide), platelets (blood clotting), monocytes, and granulocytes.
    • Lymphoid precursors form lymphocytes (part of the immune system).

    Regulation of Hematopoiesis

    • Hematopoiesis is regulated by cytokines, growth factors like CSF-1, GATA-1, GATA-2, and others.
    • These factors help maintain pluripotent stem cells and their progeny to produce the various blood cell types.

    Genetic Control of Muscle Cell Differentiation

    • Myoblasts, precursors to muscle cells produce muscle-specific proteins to form skeletal muscle via the myoD protein.
    • MyoD is a transcription factor and directs muscle cell development.
    • This master regulatory gene activates genes necessary for muscle function.
    • Other factors in the myogenic family have similar effects.

    Terminal Differentiation

    • Cells reach a point where they cannot progress further down a lineage.
    • Examples include neurons, skeletal muscle cells, and keratinocytes.
    • Fibrocytes are often excluded, as they remain mostly capable of further development in response to signals and surroundings.

    Cell Properties

    • Irreversible differentiation (e.g., mature keratinocytes): ceasing DNA synthesis.
    • Reversible differentiation (e.g., hepatocytes): having the potential to resume producing specific proteins after stimulation or conditions changed.

    Markers of Differentiation

    • Markers indicate the mature phenotype of a terminal differentiated cell.
    • Examples include cytokeratins (epithelium), glial fibrillary acidic protein (astrocytes), hemoglobin (red blood cells), albumin (liver cells).
    • These markers or combinations thereof make it possible to identify cell type via the expression of proteins and genes.

    Regulation of Differentiation

    • Several factors influence differentiation:
      • Cell-cell interactions (e.g., homotypic (with similar cells), heterotypic (with different cells), via contact, diffusible factors, including extracellular matrix).
      • Extracellular factors (e.g., hormones, growth factors).
      • In-vitro factors (e.g., growth-promoting or growth-restricting substances).
      • oxygen tension, cellular shape, and cellular matrix
    • These interactions lead to signaling that ultimately determines the fate of the cell.

    Induction of Differentiation

    • Heterotypic interactions cause cellular differentiation by the mutual interaction between cells from different germ layers.
    • Reciprocal paracrine signaling triggers specific cell differentiation like epidermal maturation.
      • Growth factors (e.g., GM-CSF, KGF) and cytokines (e.g., IL-1α, IL-1β) from various cells in the tissue communicate with other cells, such as the keratinocyte and fibroblast, and have an effect.

    Diseases Associated with Differentiation

    • Pulmonary fibrosis (e.g., abnormal myofibroblast, fibroblast action leading to collagen build up).
    • Cancer (reduced or abnormal differentiation).

    Differentiation & Diseases

    • Cancer is a failure of cells to differentiate properly.
    • Poor differentiation in tumors correlates with a lower survival rate for patients.
    • Tumor differentiation can be altered under different conditions and circumstances.

    Differentiation & Malignancy

    • Cancer is linked to impaired differentiation.
    • Histology of a cancer suggests its level of differentiation.
    • Patients with poorly differentiated tumors have a lower survival rate.
    • Cancer cells in cell culture can be induced to differentiate.

    Chemicals Inducing Differentiation

    • Certain compounds can trigger the differentiation process in transformed cells.
    • Polar and nonpolar substances have been recognized for their potential role and actions.

    Clinical Use of Retinoids and Nuclear Receptors

    • Retinoids, such as ATRA, are used in cancer therapies.
    • The clinical use of retinoids is linked to their effect on nuclear receptors, like RAR and RXR, involved in regulating gene expression.
    • Multiple retinoid and receptor combinations exist and are used in medicinal applications.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on embryology with this quiz focusing on the blastocyst, cellular differentiation, and the stages of embryonic development. Key concepts like stem cells, cytoplasmic determinants, and retinoids will also be covered. See how well you understand the processes that shape early life.

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