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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a characteristic of embryonic stem cells?
Which of the following is a characteristic of embryonic stem cells?
- They are multipotent, capable of differentiating into a limited number of cell types.
- They are pluripotent, capable of differentiating into many cell types. (correct)
- They are unipotent, capable of differentiating into only one cell type.
- They are totipotent, capable of differentiating into all cell types.
What is the primary function of the trophoderma in a blastocyst?
What is the primary function of the trophoderma in a blastocyst?
- To form the placenta, which connects the embryo to the mother's uterus. (correct)
- To give rise to the internal cell mass, which will eventually form the embryo.
- To regulate the growth and development of the embryo.
- To provide nourishment to the developing embryo.
Which of the following is an example of a tissue stem cell?
Which of the following is an example of a tissue stem cell?
- Embryonic stem cells
- Neural stem cells
- Blood stem cells (correct)
- All of the above
Which of the following is a potential therapeutic application of embryonic stem cells?
Which of the following is a potential therapeutic application of embryonic stem cells?
Which of the following is a potential problem associated with the use of embryonic stem cells?
Which of the following is a potential problem associated with the use of embryonic stem cells?
Where are adult stem cells found?
Where are adult stem cells found?
What is the process by which a stem cell differentiates into a specialized cell type?
What is the process by which a stem cell differentiates into a specialized cell type?
What is the ability of a stem cell to divide and produce more stem cells called?
What is the ability of a stem cell to divide and produce more stem cells called?
What is the main difference between a multipotent stem cell and a unipotent stem cell?
What is the main difference between a multipotent stem cell and a unipotent stem cell?
What is the main difference between a pluripotent stem cell and a multipotent stem cell?
What is the main difference between a pluripotent stem cell and a multipotent stem cell?
What is the process by which a stem cell becomes a specialized cell?
What is the process by which a stem cell becomes a specialized cell?
Which of the following is an example of a stem cell that can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including neurons?
Which of the following is an example of a stem cell that can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including neurons?
What is the process by which stem cells can maintain their population while also producing differentiated cells?
What is the process by which stem cells can maintain their population while also producing differentiated cells?
What is the name of the process by which a mature cell can be reprogrammed to become an immature stem cell?
What is the name of the process by which a mature cell can be reprogrammed to become an immature stem cell?
What is the name of the Nobel prize-winning scientist who discovered that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent stem cells?
What is the name of the Nobel prize-winning scientist who discovered that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent stem cells?
What is the name of the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell?
What is the name of the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell?
What is the characteristic feature of embryonic stem cells?
What is the characteristic feature of embryonic stem cells?
Which type of division do stem cells primarily undergo to maintain population size?
Which type of division do stem cells primarily undergo to maintain population size?
Where are adult stem cells primarily found?
Where are adult stem cells primarily found?
What defines the potency of stem cells?
What defines the potency of stem cells?
What is a significant property of embryonic stem cells compared to adult stem cells?
What is a significant property of embryonic stem cells compared to adult stem cells?
Which of the following best describes the term self-renewal in the context of stem cells?
Which of the following best describes the term self-renewal in the context of stem cells?
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Study Notes
Blastocyst and Stem Cells
- A blastocyst is an early-stage embryo, formed 4 to 14 days after fertilization, consisting of an internal cell mass and an external layer called trophoblast.
- Embryonic stem cells (derived from the internal cell mass) are pluripotent, meaning they can differentiate into any cell type, forming over 220 cell types.
Therapeutic Applications of Embryonic Stem Cells
- Regenerative medicine utilizes embryonic stem cells for treating serious conditions such as:
- Difficult injuries and burns
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Heart attacks
- Arthritis
- Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
- Diabetes and blood dysfunctions
- Tissue regeneration
Challenges in Using Embryonic Stem Cells
- Difficulties include:
- Controlling in vitro differentiation
- Potential immunological responses due to heterologous use
- Risks of carcinogenicity
- Bioethical concerns
Types of Stem Cells
- Two main types of stem cells:
- Embryonic stem cells
- Tissue stem cells (adult stem cells)
Tissue Stem Cells
- Location: Present in various tissues such as skin, brain, eye surface, breast, adipose tissue, intestines, testicles, bone marrow, and muscles.
- Characteristics:
- Self-renewal: Unlimited replication capability.
- Potency: Ability to specialize into specific cell types through asymmetric cell division.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS)
- iPS cells can be derived by reprogramming mature cells to become pluripotent.
- John B. Gurdon (1962) demonstrated that cell specialization is reversible, paving the way for stem cell research.
- Shinya Yamanaka (2012 Nobel Prize winner) discovered the reprogramming process in mice using a few genes.
Historical Context and Achievements
- Dolly, the first cloned mammal from an adult somatic cell using nuclear transfer, represented a breakthrough in developmental biology.
- Gurdon's and Yamanaka's findings challenge the dogma that specialization of cells is irreversible and expand possibilities for regenerative medicine.
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