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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a characteristic of embryonic stem cells?
What is the primary function of the trophoderma in a blastocyst?
Which of the following is an example of a tissue stem cell?
Which of the following is a potential therapeutic application of embryonic stem cells?
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Which of the following is a potential problem associated with the use of embryonic stem cells?
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Where are adult stem cells found?
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What is the process by which a stem cell differentiates into a specialized cell type?
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What is the ability of a stem cell to divide and produce more stem cells called?
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What is the main difference between a multipotent stem cell and a unipotent stem cell?
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What is the main difference between a pluripotent stem cell and a multipotent stem cell?
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What is the process by which a stem cell becomes a specialized cell?
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Which of the following is an example of a stem cell that can differentiate into a variety of cell types, including neurons?
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What is the process by which stem cells can maintain their population while also producing differentiated cells?
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What is the name of the process by which a mature cell can be reprogrammed to become an immature stem cell?
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What is the name of the Nobel prize-winning scientist who discovered that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent stem cells?
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What is the name of the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell?
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What is the characteristic feature of embryonic stem cells?
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Which type of division do stem cells primarily undergo to maintain population size?
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Where are adult stem cells primarily found?
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What defines the potency of stem cells?
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What is a significant property of embryonic stem cells compared to adult stem cells?
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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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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.
