Embryonic Stem Cells and Their Applications
22 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

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?

  • 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?

  • 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?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential problem associated with the use of embryonic stem cells?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are adult stem cells found?

    <p>In various tissues throughout the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process by which a stem cell differentiates into a specialized cell type?

    <p>Cell differentiation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ability of a stem cell to divide and produce more stem cells called?

    <p>Self-renewal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between a multipotent stem cell and a unipotent stem cell?

    <p>Multipotent stem cells can differentiate into many types of cells, while unipotent stem cells can differentiate into only one type of cell.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between a pluripotent stem cell and a multipotent stem cell?

    <p>Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into any type of cell in the body, while multipotent stem cells can differentiate into a limited number of cell types.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process by which a stem cell becomes a specialized cell?

    <p>Differentiation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a stem cell that can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including neurons?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process by which stem cells can maintain their population while also producing differentiated cells?

    <p>Self-renewal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the process by which a mature cell can be reprogrammed to become an immature stem cell?

    <p>Reprogramming</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the Nobel prize-winning scientist who discovered that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent stem cells?

    <p>Shinya Yamanaka</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell?

    <p>Dolly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic feature of embryonic stem cells?

    <p>They are pluripotent and can form all three germ layers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of division do stem cells primarily undergo to maintain population size?

    <p>Asymmetric cell division</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where are adult stem cells primarily found?

    <p>Throughout life, in various tissues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the potency of stem cells?

    <p>Their potential to differentiate into specialized cell types.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant property of embryonic stem cells compared to adult stem cells?

    <p>They are pluripotent and can differentiate into more than 220 cell types.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the term self-renewal in the context of stem cells?

    <p>The ability of stem cells to replicate indefinitely.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Prenatal and Postnatal Neurogenesis PDF

    Description

    Explore the basics of blastocysts, embryonic stem cells, and their potential therapeutic uses in regenerative medicine. Learn how they can differentiate into various cell types and treat serious conditions.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser