Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are stem cells?
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can change into various types of cells and proliferate indefinitely to produce more of the same stem cell.
Which of the following describes a characteristic of stem cells?
Which of the following describes a characteristic of stem cells?
Stem cells have the potential to differentiate into all types of cells except those of the _____ tissue.
Stem cells have the potential to differentiate into all types of cells except those of the _____ tissue.
placental
What type of stem cell can differentiate into all types of cells including the placenta?
What type of stem cell can differentiate into all types of cells including the placenta?
Signup and view all the answers
Adult stem cells are pluripotent.
Adult stem cells are pluripotent.
Signup and view all the answers
Where are embryonic stem cells derived from?
Where are embryonic stem cells derived from?
Signup and view all the answers
Which source is NOT a source of stem cells?
Which source is NOT a source of stem cells?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a major challenge in stem cell therapy?
What is a major challenge in stem cell therapy?
Signup and view all the answers
Adult stem cells function primarily to _____ and repair tissues.
Adult stem cells function primarily to _____ and repair tissues.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Stem Cell Introduction
- Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of becoming various cell types.
- They can proliferate endlessly to produce more stem cells.
- Stem cells are crucial for tissue and organ development, serving as building blocks for the human body.
Stem Cell Properties
- Unspecialized: They lack tissue-specific structures for specialized functions.
- Self-renewal: They can divide and renew themselves for extended periods.
- Potency: Stem cells can give rise to various differentiated cells.
- Plasticity: They can change into different cell types.
- Uncommitted: Stem cells remain uncommitted until receiving signals to develop into specialized cells.
Stem Cell Classification
- Source: Embryonic, Adult
-
Potency:
- Totipotent: Can differentiate into all cell types, including placental tissue. Example: Morula
- Pluripotent: Can differentiate into almost all cell types, excluding placental tissue. Example: Cells from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst
- Multipotent: Can differentiate into multiple specialized cells within a specific germ layer. Example: Blood stem cells can create all blood cells but not neural cells (ectoderm) or liver cells (endoderm).
- Unipotent: Can only produce one cell type but possess self-renewal properties. Example: Muscle stem cells, Cardiac stem cells
Embryonic Stem Cells (ES Cells)
- Derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst (early pre-implantation embryo).
- Isolation of the inner cell mass results in destruction of the blastocyst, raising ethical concerns.
- Pluripotent, capable of differentiating into all cell types derived from the three primary germ layers (ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm).
Adult Stem Cells
- Undifferentiated cells found among differentiated cells within a tissue or organ.
- Can renew themselves and differentiate into specialized cell types of the tissue or organ.
- Primarily responsible for maintaining and repairing tissues.
-
Functions:
- Replace physiologically lost cells, e.g., blood (hematopoietic stem cells), GIT epithelial cells, skin, & hair.
- Divide in response to tissue injury or infection, e.g., skeletal muscle regeneration.
Sources of Stem Cells
- Excess embryos: From assisted reproductive technologies, like in vitro fertilization.
- Umbilical cord blood: Rich source of stem cells compared to adult stem cells, readily expandable.
- Bone marrow: Source of hematopoietic stem cells (blood-forming cells).
- Fetal blood and tissue: Neural stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and mesenchymal stem cells can be harvested.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of stem cells, including their properties, classifications, and importance in development. Assess your knowledge on various types of stem cells and their unique characteristics. Perfect for anyone interested in biology or regenerative medicine.