Stem Cell Biology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic that defines a stem cell?

It has a limited capacity for division.

It has specialized structures for performing specific functions.

It is a fully developed cell type.

It can differentiate into various cell types. (correct)

Which of the following statements about stem cells is false?

Stem cells can divide without limit.

Stem cells can only become one specific type of cell. (correct)

Stem cells can serve as a repair system for the body.

Stem cells are unspecialized until they receive specific signals.

What does asymmetric division of stem cells entail?

Both daughter cells become differentiated cells.

Daughter cells have identical functions.

Both daughter cells remain as stem cells.

One daughter cell becomes a differentiated cell and the other a stem cell. (correct)

What is the role of signals in the function of stem cells?

They trigger stem cells to become specialized cells. Signup and view all the answers

How can stem cells help in the body's repair systems?

By providing a reserve of unspecialized cells that can become specialized. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the potential of stem cells to divide?

They can divide for long periods and replenish cell types. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of stem cell mentioned?

Tissue-specific stem cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process when unspecialized stem cells develop into specialized cells?

Differentiation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stem cell is derived from embryos?

Embryonic Germ Cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a stem cell and a progenitor cell?

Stem cells can self-renew indefinitely, progenitor cells cannot. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a source of adult type stem cells?

Aborted fetuses Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the differentiation of stem cells?

A combination of internal and external signals Signup and view all the answers

What type of stem cell can yield another stem cell and a specialized cell upon division?

Embryonic stem cell Signup and view all the answers

Which tissues are NOT typically associated with the presence of adult stem cells?

Adipose tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of stem cells in embryos?

To generate new organs and tissues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a hematopoietic stem cell's function?

To give rise to a specialized cell and another stem cell Signup and view all the answers

Embryonic Stem Cells are derived from embryos that develop from what type of fertilization?

Eggs fertilized using in vitro techniques Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical age of embryos used to derive Human Embryonic Stem Cells?

Four to five days old Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about embryonic stem cells is true?

They can differentiate into all three primary germ layers. Signup and view all the answers

Which source is NOT a potential origin of embryonic stem cells?

Embryos fertilized inside a woman's body Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of stem cell transplantation (SCT)?

Restores blood cell production in patients with bone marrow failure Signup and view all the answers

What type of stem cells can differentiate into any cell type except for totipotent stem cells?

Pluripotent stem cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes multipotent stem cells?

They can differentiate into a limited range of cells within a specific tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of unipotent stem cells?

To differentiate along only one lineage. Signup and view all the answers

Which cells are considered terminally differentiated cells?

Cells that have committed to specific functions Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'pluripotent' mean?

Capable of differentiating into multiple cell types Signup and view all the answers

Where are hematopoietic stem cells primarily found?

In the bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

Adult stem cells are primarily characterized as:

Multipotent in nature Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the ability of adult stem cells to differentiate into multiple cell types?

Plasticity Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of progenitor cells?

Unipotent stem cells that produce only one cell type Signup and view all the answers

What does the prefix 'uni-' in unipotent stem cells signify?

One Signup and view all the answers

What type of stem cells give rise to keratinocytes in the skin?

Epidermal stem cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cell types are NOT produced by epithelial stem cells found in the digestive tract?

Oligodendrocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the key advantage of using adult stem cells over embryonic stem cells?

They are less likely to be rejected by the immune system. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding embryonic stem cells?

They can become all cell types of the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of umbilical cord stem cells?

Placenta and umbilical cord blood Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diseases can be treated using cord blood stem cells?

Lymphoma Signup and view all the answers

Neural stem cells in the brain give rise to which of the following cell types?

Astrocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential feature of adult stem cells that may enhance their versatility?

Increased plasticity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of adult stem cells?

They are generally limited to their tissue of origin. Signup and view all the answers

What type of cell can umbilical cord stem cells differentiate into?

Neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of stem cells in embryos?

To generate new organs and tissues Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes progenitor cells?

Progenitor cells undergo cell division to yield specialized cells. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes embryonic stem cells from adult stem cells?

Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any cell type. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of stem cells related to self-renewal?

They can divide indefinitely while maintaining their identity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is NOT necessary for stem cell differentiation?

Exposure to extreme temperatures Signup and view all the answers

Where are adult stem cells NOT typically found?

Draining lymph nodes Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical feature of stem cells that enhances their potential in medical therapies?

Their ability to replicate without limitation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of embryonic stem cells?

They may cause immune rejection. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical source of umbilical cord stem cells?

Tissues obtained after childbirth from umbilical cords Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes adult stem cells from embryonic stem cells?

Adult stem cells are not immunogenic. Signup and view all the answers

What makes embryonic stem cells particularly valuable for research and medicine?

They are easier to isolate and have a defined characteristic. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stem cell is characterized as being capable of forming any cell type?

Totipotent stem cells Signup and view all the answers

Why can adult stem cells be considered more ethical compared to embryonic stem cells?

They cause no harm to the donor. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of using adult stem cells in therapeutic applications?

They have a finite lifespan in culture. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of using embryonic stem cells in treatment?

They are prone to forming tumors. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable advantage of adult stem cells regarding immune response after transplantation?

They are less likely to be rejected by the host. Signup and view all the answers

Which cell types are derived from neural stem cells in the brain?

Nerve cells, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential advantage of using adult stem cells for transplantation?

They reduce the risk of transplant rejection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diseases has NOT been treated using cord blood stem cells?

Diabetes Signup and view all the answers

What cell types do epithelial stem cells in the digestive tract produce?

Absorptive cells, goblet cells, Paneth cells, and enteroendocrine cells Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic differentiates adult stem cells from embryonic stem cells?

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent Signup and view all the answers

Where are skin stem cells primarily located?

In the basal layer of the epidermis and hair follicles Signup and view all the answers

What type of stem cell is found in the blood left in the placenta and umbilical cord?

Hematopoietic stem cells Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes adult stem cell plasticity from embryonic stem cells?

Adult stem cell plasticity suggests they may differentiate into more cell types Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of the embryos from which human embryonic stem cells are derived?

They are four or five days old and are a blastocyst. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the sources of embryonic stem cells is true?

They originate from in vitro fertilization embryos donated for research. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'pluripotent' imply about embryonic stem cells?

They can develop into any cell type from all three primary germ layers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential source of embryonic stem cells?

Embryos created through natural conception. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant application of stem cells mentioned in the content?

Treating neurological diseases by repairing damaged organs. Signup and view all the answers

Which process is described as a critical need for stem cell transplantation?

When a patient's bone marrow fails to produce new blood cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is NOT associated with embryonic stem cells?

They only give rise to cell types of the endoderm layer. Signup and view all the answers

What type of stem cells can be obtained from umbilical cord blood?

Hematopoietic stem cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using umbilical cord stem cells in medical treatments?

They are morally acceptable since the umbilical cord is discarded after delivery. Signup and view all the answers

Which step is NOT part of the therapeutic cloning process?

Extracting a nucleus from a sperm cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of using bone marrow transplants for cancer treatment?

They require a large quantity of stem cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stem cells raises ethical concerns related to their source?

Embryonic stem cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason why skin cells can be effectively used for culturing replacement tissue?

Healthy skin cells can be cultured rapidly in vitro. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about embryonic germ cells is true?

They are ethically objectionable when derived from elective abortions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of therapeutic cloning?

To develop embryonic stem cell lines for treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of chemotherapy related to stem cells?

Damage to bone marrow leading to a lack of blood cells. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes pluripotent stem cells from totipotent stem cells?

Pluripotent stem cells cannot recreate a complete organism. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the function of multipotent stem cells?

They give rise to a variety of specialized cells within a particular tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of unipotent stem cells?

They can only produce one cell type. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'terminally differentiated' refer to in cell biology?

Cells that are permanently committed to specific functions. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stem cells are primarily associated with blood cell formation?

Hematopoietic stem cells located in bone marrow. Signup and view all the answers

What does plasticity in adult stem cells refer to?

The ability to differentiate into multiple types of cells. Signup and view all the answers

How are progenitor cells classified in relation to stem cells?

They are specialized stem cells with limited differentiation. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the differentiation potential of pluripotent stem cells?

They can give rise to many different mature tissues. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stem Cell Technology - Lesson 1

Adult humans comprise over 200 different cell types.
These cells include nerve cells (neurons), muscle cells (myocytes), skin cells (epithelial), blood cells (erythrocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes), bone cells (osteocytes), and cartilage cells (chondrocytes).
Specialized cells essential for embryonic development that are not incorporated into the embryo are extra-embryonic tissues like the placenta and umbilical cord.
All these cells originate from a single totipotent cell, the zygote, or fertilized egg.

What is a Stem Cell?

A stem cell is a blank or precursor cell with the capacity to develop into various tissue types, such as skin, muscle, or nerve tissue.
Stem cells are the basic building blocks of the human body.

Features of Stem Cells

Stem cells are unique cells.
They have the ability to differentiate into various types of specialized cells within the body.
Stem cells can act as a repair system for the body.
Stem cells are theoretically capable of indefinite division in a living organism to replenish various cells.
When a stem cell divides, each new cell can maintain its stem cell status or differentiate into a more specialized cell, such as a muscle cell, red blood cell, or brain cell.

Stem Cell Types

Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs): derived from embryos.
- Totipotent stem cells
- Embryonic Germ (EG) cells
- Pluripotent stem cells (ESCs)
Fetal Tissue Stem Cells: derived from fetuses.
- Pluripotent stem cells
Adult Stem Cells: derived from adults.
- Umbilical Cord Stem Cells
- Placental Stem Cells
- Adult Stem Cells
Progenitor Cells: unspecialized cells that give rise to a specialized cell type.
Terminally differentiated cells: These cells are at the end of the cell differentiation process and their functions are fixed – they are not considered stem cells.

Sources of Stem Cells

Embryos: Obtained by harvesting 5-7-day-old embryos, which usually results in the embryo's destruction.
Fetuses: Embryonic germ cells can be obtained from miscarriages or aborted fetuses.

Classification of Stem Cells

Totipotent: Can differentiate into all cell types, including extra-embryonic tissues. The fertilized egg is an example.
Pluripotent: Can differentiate into most cell types but not extra-embryonic tissues. Examples include embryonic stem cells and embryonic germ cells.
Multipotent: Can differentiate into several cell types within a specific lineage. Examples include hematopoietic stem cells (blood cells).
Unipotent: Can differentiate into only one type of specialized cell. Examples include progenitor cells.

Adult stem cells or somatic stem cells

Adults stem cells are undifferentiated cells.
They are found in small numbers in various tissues.
They can be extracted from umbilical cord blood.
They are classified as multipotent stem cells.
They produce a closely related family of cells within a tissue.
Hematopoietic stem cells are an example, creating diverse cells in the blood.

Embryonic and Adult Stem Cell Comparison (Advantages and Disadvantages)

Embryonic Stem Cells:*
Advantages:*
Flexible: Can make many cell types.
Immortal: Can potentially produce an endless supply of cells.
Availability: Obtained from in-vitro fertilization clinics.
Disadvantages:*
Difficult to uniformly differentiate into target tissue.
Immunogenic (embryo cells from a donor will be rejected).
Tumorigenic (capable of forming tumors).
Ethical concerns regarding embryo destruction.
Adult Stem Cells:*
Advantages:*
Appear to be as flexible as embryonic stem cells.
Somewhat Specialized: Induction can be simpler
Not immunogenic: Patient stem cells will not be rejected.
Relative ease of procurement.
Non-tumorigenic
No harm to the patient
Disadvantages:*
Limited quantity: Difficult obtaining in large numbers.
Finite: May not survive as long in culture.
Less flexible: Difficult reprogramming into several types.

Stem Cell Uses

Cell therapy: Treatment of neural diseases (Parkinson's, Huntington's, Alzheimer's), repair of damaged organs (liver, pancreas), and AIDS treatments.
Stem cell transplantation (SCT): Used to restore blood cell production when bone marrow fails to produce new blood cells.
Therapeutic cloning/somatic cell nuclear transfer: Creating new embryonic stem cells.
Tissue engineering: Using stem cells to create replacement tissues. Skin is a good example for burns victims.

Cord Blood Stem Cells

Blood from the umbilical cord is a significant source of hematopoietic stem cells.
Cord blood stem cells have proven effective in treating various diseases, including leukemia and lymphoma.
Cord blood collection is a safe and simple procedure with no risk to the mother or baby.

Ethical Concerns of Stem Cell Research

Embryonic Stem Cells: Morally objectionable due to the destruction of the embryo.
Embryonic Germ Cells: Morally objectionable if using elective abortions. Morally acceptable using spontaneous abortions (miscarriages) with parental consent
Umbilical Cord Stem Cells: Morally acceptable as the umbilical cord is not needed after birth.
Placentally-Derived Stem Cells: Morally acceptable as the placenta is no longer needed after birth.
Adult Stem Cells: Morally acceptable.

Possible Uses of Tissue Derived from Stem Cells

Neural cells: Stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's
Heart muscle cells: Heart attacks, congestive heart failure
Insulin-producing cells: Diabetes
Cartilage cells: Osteoarthritis
Blood cells: Cancer, immunodeficiencies, leukemia
Liver cells: Hepatitis, cirrhosis
Skin cells: Burns, wound healing
Bone cells: Osteoporosis
Retinal cells: Macular degeneration
Skeletal muscle cells: Muscular dystrophy

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Description

Test your knowledge about stem cells and their characteristics with this quiz. Explore various aspects including types of stem cells, their functions, and their roles in development and repair. Perfect for biology students or anyone interested in cellular biology.