Human Embryonic Stem Cells Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with human embryonic stem (hES) cells?

  • Undergo spontaneous differentiation when cultured alone (correct)
  • Immunologically matched to the embryo from which they are derived
  • Able to maintain a stable diploid karyotype
  • Capable of differentiating into various somatic tissues

What is the purpose of subculturing human embryonic stem cells weekly?

  • To prevent overcrowding and maintain the undifferentiated state (correct)
  • To randomly select cells for culturing purposes
  • To allow for single-cell separation to encourage differentiation
  • To observe genetic mutations that may arise over time

What is a key assessment method to evaluate the pluripotency of stem cells?

  • Monitoring their growth on solid surfaces
  • Evaluating their spontaneous differentiation into fixed tissues
  • Analyzing their ability to contribute to various tissues after blastocyst injection (correct)
  • Assessing their response to external chemical cues

Which of the following accurately describes the role of MEF feeder layers in hES cell culture?

<p>MEFs provide nutrients and prevent hES cells from differentiating (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of stem cell research, what does the term 'chimera' refer to?

<p>An organism formed by injecting stem cells into a blastocyst that contribute to various tissues (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic that defines self-renewal in stem cells?

<p>Capacity for limitless divisions (A), Formation of identical daughter cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes asymmetric division in stem cells?

<p>Internal determinants are unevenly distributed among daughter cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a property of stem cells?

<p>Undergo terminal differentiation permanently (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do external signals influence stem cell behavior?

<p>They regulate whether a stem cell will self-renew or differentiate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes cells with the highest differentiation potential?

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

What potential outcome can result from the niche regulating stem cell behavior?

<p>Facilitation of either self-renewal or differentiation based on tissue need (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a cell when it undergoes terminal differentiation?

<p>It becomes a specialized cell and loses regenerative ability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of zygote cells?

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

Which type of stem cell can differentiate into any cell type in the body?

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

What defines pluripotent stem cells?

<p>Derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of transferring a somatic cell nucleus into an enucleated oocyte?

<p>To produce genetically identical pluripotent stem cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following gives rise to multipotent cells?

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

Which of the following cell types can give rise to only a single cell type?

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

Why are SCNT-derived stem cells considered useful for personalized medicine?

<p>They can replicate the patient’s genetic material, reducing immune rejection (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Embryonic carcinoma cells are derived from which type of tissue?

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

What is a significant challenge associated with the use of cloned human embryos as a source of ES cells?

<p>The requirement for human oocytes makes them difficult to obtain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which stem cell type is capable of differentiating into a limited range of cell types?

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

Which of the following is NOT considered a positive aspect of using SCNT-derived stem cells?

<p>Ensures the elimination of potential genetic disorders (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes pluripotent stem cells?

<p>They can differentiate into almost any cell type in the body (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of neural stem cells (NSCs)?

<p>They can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cell types cannot produce extra-embryonic tissues?

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

What role do mitochondrial disorders play in the context of embryonic stem cell research?

<p>They can be addressed using techniques like '3-parent embryos' (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the harvest of pluripotent stem cells from a blastocyst is correct?

<p>Harvesting can only occur within a 5-7 day window post-creation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of embryonic stem cells, what is the purpose of disease modeling?

<p>To create living models for testing potential treatments (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the process of SCNT benefit therapeutic cloning?

<p>It establishes embryonic stem cells less likely to cause immune reactions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of tumor is referred to as a teratocarcinoma?

<p>A malignant tumor observed in the testes that contains undifferentiated EC cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics distinguishes embryonic germ (EG) cells from embryonic stem (ES) cells?

<p>EG cells retain some germ cell characteristics and can erase imprinted genes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factors are essential for maintaining the undifferentiated state of mouse embryonic germ cells in culture?

<p>Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), and Steel factor (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do teratomas typically behave in the ovary compared to the testes?

<p>Teratomas in the ovary are generally benign while those in the testes are malignant. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells do primordial germ cells (PGCs) eventually develop into?

<p>Sperm or eggs (gametes) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) in cultured embryonic cells?

<p>To enhance the proliferation and support the undifferentiated state of cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes teratomas from other types of tumors?

<p>They can form from parthenogenetically activated oocytes and exhibit various tissue types. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of embryonic germ (EG) cells derived from terminated pregnancies?

<p>They give information regarding early human reproductive development. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are teratomas often studied in the context of cancer research?

<p>They exhibit stem cell properties and tissue differentiation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Self-renewal

The ability of a cell to divide and produce identical copies of itself.

Specialization or Differentiation

The ability of a stem cell to develop into different specialized cell types, such as muscle, bone, or nerve cells.

Terminally Differentiated Cell

A type of cell that has irreversibly lost its ability to divide and specialize. It has a specific function and cannot become any other type of cell.

Asymmetric Division

The division of a stem cell that produces two daughter cells with different fates. One daughter remains a stem cell, while the other undergoes specialization.

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Environmental Asymmetry

Factors outside the cell that influence the fate of the daughter cells during division. These signals can trigger self-renewal or specialization.

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Niche

The area within a tissue where stem cells reside. It provides signals and support that regulate stem cell behavior.

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Divisional Asymmetry

The internal differences within a stem cell that influence its fate during division. These differences can be in the form of unevenly distributed molecules or cellular parts.

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Totipotent cells

Can differentiate into any cell type in the body, including extra-embryonic tissues like the placenta.

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Pluripotent cells

Can differentiate into almost any cell type within the body, including all cells of the nervous system, but not into extra-embryonic tissues.

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Multipotent cells

Can differentiate into a limited range of cell types within a specific tissue or organ.

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Unipotent cells

Capable of differentiating into only one specific cell type.

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Embryonic carcinoma (EC) cells

These cells are derived from teratocarcinomas, a type of tumor that often forms in the testes or ovaries.

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Aneuploidy

EC cells often have an abnormal number of chromosomes.

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Embryonic stem cells

These cells are derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst.

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Pluripotent stem cells

These cells can be used to study development and disease.

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Multipotent stem cells

These cells can be used to generate new tissues and organs.

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Embryonic Germ (EG) Cells

Pluripotent stem cells isolated from cultured mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs).

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Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs)

Precursors to gametes (sperm or egg cells) found in the early embryo.

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EG Cell Imprinting Erasure

EG cells can retain some of the germ cell characteristics, allowing them to erase imprinted genes, potentially leading to increased developmental flexibility.

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Teratomas

Tumors that arise from parthenogenetically activated oocytes (egg cells that divide without fertilization).

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Teratocarcinomas

Tumors that originate in the testes and are malignant (cancerous). They contain both differentiated tissues and undifferentiated EC cells, which are believed to be the stem cells of the tumor.

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EG Cell Culture Requirements

EC cells are cultured on feeder cell layers, similar to ES cells, to provide necessary support for their growth.

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Growth Factors for EG Cells

In addition to leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), mouse EG cells need fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and Steel factor (SCF) to proliferate.

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Human EG Cell Research

Human EG cells are less well characterized than human ES cells, but appear to have similar differentiation capacity.

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EG Cells from terminated pregnancy

EG cells taken from fetuses from terminated pregnancy provide valuable insight into early human reproductive development.

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Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT)

A technique that involves transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell (e.g., skin cell) into an enucleated egg cell (one with its own nucleus removed).

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What is SCNT (Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer)?

A technique that uses a somatic cell's nucleus to create a genetically identical embryo, offering potential for personalized medicine and therapeutic cloning.

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How are cloned human embryos used to obtain ES cells?

Using SCNT, a somatic cell nucleus is transferred into an enucleated egg cell, stimulating development into a blastocyst. Pluripotent stem cells are then harvested from this blastocyst for research purposes.

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What are the positive aspects of using SCNT-derived stem cells?

SCNT-derived stem cells offer a renewable supply of pluripotent cells, reducing immune rejection risks. Additionally, they can model diseases and explore treatments, providing potential solutions for mitochondrial disorders.

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What is a major limitation of SCNT?

Obtaining human oocytes for SCNT presents a significant challenge, as they are difficult to acquire.

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Maintaining a Normal Diploid Karyotype

Maintaining the correct number of chromosomes (46 for humans) and ensuring their stability.

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Subculturing/Passaging

The process of transferring a small part of a cell culture to a new dish. Essential for preventing overcrowding and continued cell growth.

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MEF Feeder Layers

Cells used as a growth surface for human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). They provide support but are treated to stop dividing.

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Culture Medium

A mix of nutrients that hESCs need to grow and thrive. It includes essential amino acids, growth factors, and other components.

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Teratoma Assay

A test that assesses the ability of hESCs to form all types of tissues found in a developing embryo. It involves injecting hESCs into immunodeficient mice, which could lead to tumor growth containing various cell types.

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Study Notes

Embryonic Stem Cells

  • Stem cells possess two key characteristics: self-renewal and differentiation.
  • Self-renewal: Stem cells divide and produce identical daughter cells.
  • Differentiation: Stem cells develop into various specialized cell types, losing their ability to proliferate.
  • Stem cells are not terminally differentiated -- the ability to divide is not lost.
  • Stem cells have limitless divisions.
  • Asymmetric division can lead to daughter cells that become either stem cells or transit to differentiation.
  • Environmental asymmetry, external signals, and niche influence cell fate.
  • Divisional asymmetry, uneven distribution of components and determinants can lead to different fates
  • Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into any cell type in the body, except extraembryonic tissues.
  • Totipotent stem cells, with the highest potency, can differentiate into any cell type and extraembryonic tissues, like the zygote.
  • Multipotent stem cells can differentiate into a limited range of cell types.
  • Embryonic carcinoma (EC) cells derived from teratomas, often aneuploid.
  • Teratomas, a type of tumor that can form in the testes or ovaries, often feature a mix of tissues like hair, muscle, and bone; in the ovary, they are usually benign, but in the testes, they can be malignant (and thus are called teratocarcinomas).
  • Embryonic germ (EG) cells are pluripotent stem cells isolated from cultured mouse primordial germ cells.
  • Like embryonic stem cells, EG cells can differentiate into cells from all three germ layers.
  • Mouse EG cells are cultured on feeder cell layers, similar to ES cells, to provide support for growth.
  • Human EG cells have similar differentiation capacity to human ES cells and can be taken from terminated pregnancies.
  • Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT): The nucleus of a somatic cell is transferred into an enucleated oocyte, stimulating it to develop into a blastocyst, producing ES cells with the same genetic makeup as the somatic cell.
  • Cloned human embryos are a source of ES cells from transferred somatic nuclei into enucleated egg cells, which are stimulated into blastocysts to harvest ES cells.
  • Pluripotent stem cells can be harvested from blastocysts that are 5-7 days old.
  • Isolation and culture of the inner cell mass (ICM) from human embryos is done by digesting the zona pellucida (protective layer) with pronase, antibody surgery, or other means.
  • The ICM is then cultured on mitotically-inactivated mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) feeder cells.
  • Assessing the pluripotency of stem cells examines their ability to differentiate into all tissues of an organism.
  • Differentiation potential, successful chimeral formation, and teratoma production from injected embryonic stem cells are all used to assess pluripotency.

Key Assessments for Pluripotency

  • Assessing pluripotency evaluates a stem cell's ability to differentiate into various cell types and contribute to all tissues of an organism.
  • Assessing cloned cell lines and differentiation verifies the ability of cells to differentiate into a wide range of somatic and extraembryonic tissues
  • Assessing chimera formation verifies that the introduced cells form tissues within the host organism.
  • An in vivo teratoma formation process assessing the capability of injecting cells into immunocompromised mice to form teratomas that contain various tissues.

Hurdles for Stem Cell Therapeutics

  • Growth of hES cells in a clinically acceptable manner.
  • Avoidance of exposure to non-human proteins in serum.

Derivation, Culture, and Differentiation Requirements of Embryonic Stem Cells

  • Processes of derivation, culture, and differentiation are necessary for embryonic stem cells.
  • Considerations in isolating and culturing the inner cell mass (ICM) from the blastocyst.

Ethical and Legislative Implications of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

  • Ethical concerns and legislative requirements related to the derivation, use, and ultimate clinical application of human pluripotent stem cells.

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Lecture 2: Embryonic Stem Cells PDF

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Test your knowledge on human embryonic stem cells with this quiz. Explore characteristics, subculturing practices, and assessment methods for evaluating pluripotency. Perfect for students and professionals in the field of biotechnology.

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