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Questions and Answers
What are stem cells and what makes them unique?
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can become any type of body cell. They contain all DNA but express different genes based on transcription factors.
Explain the role of transcription factors in cell specialization.
Transcription factors determine which genes are expressed in a cell, leading to its specialization into different cell types.
Where do stem cells exist in the body and what are they called?
Stem cells exist in developing embryos and various body tissues like muscle, skin, liver, and bone marrow. They are known as somatic stem cells.
How do internal and external cues influence stem cells in their differentiation process?
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Discuss the ethical and rejection issues associated with the use of stem cells for organ/tissue regeneration.
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Study Notes
- Specialized cells in plants and animals have specific structures and functions, and they do not switch roles easily due to their specialization.
- Multicellular organisms, including humans, originate from a fertilized egg cell which divides and forms more cells, leading to the formation of a blastocyst.
- Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can become any type of body cell, as they contain all DNA but express different genes based on transcription factors.
- Transcription factors play a crucial role in determining which genes are expressed in a cell, leading to its specialization into different cell types.
- Internal and external cues, such as transcription factors and cell signaling, influence stem cells in their differentiation process.
- Stem cells exist in developing embryos as well as in various body tissues like muscle, skin, liver, and bone marrow, known as somatic stem cells.
- Stem cells have the potential to differentiate into various cell types and could be used for organ/tissue regeneration, with ethical and rejection issues to consider.
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Description
Explore the concept of specialized cells in plants and animals, as well as the role of stem cells in the differentiation process. Learn about the origin of multicellular organisms from a fertilized egg cell and the potential applications of stem cells in organ regeneration.
