Stem Cell Discovery by McCulloch and Till
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Questions and Answers

What initial observation led to the discovery of stem cells?

  • Clones of cells forming colonies in the bone marrow of mice.
  • Radiation-induced chromosomal changes in mice.
  • Unexpected bone growth in mice.
  • Small bumps on the spleens of mice after autopsies. (correct)

    • How did Till and McCulloch determine that spleen nodules originated from single cells?

  • By counting the number of nodules on each spleen.
  • By using radiation-induced chromosomal markers to trace cell lineages. (correct)
  • By observing the varied functions of cells within each colony.
  • By measuring the radiation sensitivity of the donor cells.

    • What was the key discovery made by McCulloch and Till in 1961 concerning stem cells?

  • That stem cells are sensitive to radiation and can be damaged.
  • That special bone marrow cells could self-renew and multiply. (correct)
  • That the number of spleen bumps is proportional to marrow cells received.
  • That stem cells reside primarily in the spleen of the organism.

    • What was the primary purpose of Till and McCulloch's research involving irradiating mice?

    <p>To damage bone marrow and facilitate donor cell transplantation studies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the term "colony-forming units"?

    <p>It indicates the original cells capable of developing into varied cell types. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Yamanaka's research contribute to the understanding of stem cells?

    <p>He turned adult skin cells into stem cells through genetic modification. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the meaning of "pluripotent" in the context of stem cell research?

    <p>The potential of a cell to develop into any cell type. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What delayed the publication of Till and McCulloch's findings?

    <p>The unexpected and high level of scientific interest in their initial discovery of stem cells. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What observation linked the number of spleen nodules to bone marrow cells?

    <p>The proportion of nodules correlated to the amount of marrow cells transplanted. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the key characteristic of cells found within spleen colonies that supported the existence of stem cells?

    <p>Colonies were a heterogeneous mix of cell types, suggesting differentiation from a single progenitor. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Stem Cells

    Unique cells that can self-renew and turn into specialized cell types.

    McCulloch and Till's Discovery

    They discovered the first evidence of stem cells in 1961.

    Colony-Forming Units

    Cells that form nodules growing from a single precursor cell.

    Irradiation Experiment

    The method used to mark donor cells in stem cell research.

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    Pluripotent Stem Cells

    Stem cells capable of turning into any cell type.

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    Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS)

    Adult cells reprogrammed back into a stem-cell state.

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    Yamanaka's Contribution

    Reprogrammed mature cells into stem cells using specific genes.

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    Serendipity in Research

    Discoveries made by chance during scientific inquiries.

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    Bone Marrow Transplants

    Medical procedure using healthy marrow to replace damaged cells.

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    Effects of Nuclear Radiation

    The impact of radiation on cells, including damage and mutation.

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    Study Notes

    McCulloch and Till's Discovery

    • McCulloch and Till combined cellular biology and biophysics skills to discover the first clue to stem cells in 1961.
    • Their research on bone marrow cells revealed a special type of cell capable of becoming other specialized cells.
    • Stem cells can self-renew and multiply.

    Unexpected Findings

    • The discovery was accidental; McCulloch observed bumps (nodules) on mice spleens that directly correlated to the number of live marrow cells.
    • This prompted further research using radiation to study these cells' development.

    Colonies of Clones

    • Till and McCulloch worked with a PhD student to determine whether nodules originated from one or many cells.
    • They used radiation to mark chromosomes in donor cells.
    • Cells with altered chromosomes formed clones—each nodule containing a single, original cell.
    • These cells were termed colony-forming units (CFU).

    Bone Marrow Transplantation Research

    • Their experiments involved irradiating mice to destroy existing bone marrow cells, then transplanting donor marrow cells.
    • Different radiation doses were used to monitor surviving donor cells.
    • Marrow transplants were tracked over 10 days using autopsies.
    • Data showed a direct relationship between donor cells and the number of spleen nodules.

    Stem Cell Significance

    • The discovery revealed bone marrow contains special cells capable of reproduction and development into various cell types.
    • Their discovery advanced biological science, as this process is how the body heals and regenerates damaged tissue.
    • This knowledge has huge potential for treating disease.
    • Stem cells exist in all stages of life and development.

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    Description

    Explore the groundbreaking discovery of stem cells by McCulloch and Till in 1961. Learn how their research on bone marrow cells revealed the potential of specialized cells and led to advancements in bone marrow transplantation. This quiz covers their unexpected findings and the concept of colony-forming units.

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