Stem Cells and Cellular Differentiation

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a tissue stem cell?

  • They can divide to produce more stem cells.
  • They are found in specialized tissues.
  • They can only differentiate into certain types of cells.
  • They can differentiate into any kind of cell. (correct)

What is the relationship between a stem cell and a differentiated cell?

  • A differentiated cell is a specialized cell that has lost its ability to divide, while a stem cell can still divide. (correct)
  • A differentiated cell is a specialized cell that has lost its ability to divide.
  • A stem cell is a specialized cell that can differentiate into multiple types of cells, while a differentiated cell is a specialized cell that can only differentiate into one type of cell.
  • A stem cell is a specialized cell that can divide to produce more stem cells.

Bone marrow transplants are often successful in treating cancers that affect blood cells because:

  • Bone marrow is a source of white blood cells, which are important for fighting infections.
  • Bone marrow contains stem cells that can differentiate into blood cells. (correct)
  • Bone marrow is a rich source of red blood cells, which are essential for oxygen transport.
  • Bone marrow is a type of tissue that can be easily transplanted.

What is the primary function of embryonic stem cells?

<p>To differentiate into any type of cell. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between embryonic stem cells and tissue stem cells?

<p>Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any type of cell, while tissue stem cells can only differentiate into a limited number of cell types. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these diseases is NOT mentioned as a potential candidate for stem cell treatment in the text?

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

According to the given text, what is the primary source of the stem cells found in umbilical cord blood?

<p>Blood from the umbilical cord (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using umbilical cord blood as a source of stem cells, as stated in the text?

<p>It can be easily obtained. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information presented, what is a potential application of stem cell research, as mentioned in the text?

<p>Treating certain types of childhood cancers like leukemia. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern raised in the text regarding the use of human stem cells in research?

<p>The ethical, legal and social issues surrounding it. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a stem cell?

<p>It can divide into two differentiated daughter cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that determines the specialization of a stem cell?

<p>The activation of specific genes in the cell's DNA (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called that produces specialized cells?

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

Which of the following BEST describes the role of stem cells in the development of a multicellular organism?

<p>They differentiate into the various specialized cells that make up the organism's tissues and organs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between cellular differentiation and the genetic information in a cell's DNA?

<p>Cellular differentiation is controlled by the activation of specific genes in the cell's DNA. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the development of a multicellular organism, which of the following happens first?

<p>Cellular differentiation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Zygote

A single cell formed by the fusion of sperm and egg.

Cellular Differentiation

The process by which a cell becomes specialized for a specific function.

Stem Cell

An undifferentiated cell that can develop into various specialized cells.

Embryo

An early stage of development in multicellular organisms where cells divide and specialize.

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Genetic Information

Instructions encoded in DNA that direct cellular differentiation.

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Tissue Stem Cells

Stem cells found within specialized tissues, differentiating into specific cell types.

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Differentiation

The process where daughter cells become specialized, like skin or nerve cells.

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Bone Marrow

A tissue containing stem cells that can differentiate into blood cells.

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Embryonic Stem Cells

Stem cells that can differentiate into any type of cell in the body.

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Stem Cell Research

A field of medicine focused on using stem cells for treatments.

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Umbilical Cord Blood

Blood collected from the umbilical cord rich in stem cells post-birth.

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Cord Blood Banking

Storing umbilical cord blood for potential future medical use.

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Ethical Concerns

Moral issues surrounding the use of human stem cells in research.

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Medical Advances

Potential future treatments resulting from stem cell research.

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Study Notes

Stem Cells and Cellular Differentiation

  • Cellular differentiation is the process where cells become specialized to perform specific functions.
  • This specialization is directed by genetic information (DNA) passed from parent cells.
  • A stem cell is a cell that differentiates into many different cell types.
  • Stem cells divide through mitosis and cytokinesis.
  • Daughter cells from stem cells have the same genes, but can develop into different cell types depending on which genes are activated.
  • Stem cells are typically found in clumps that differentiate into tissue layers, like epithelial, muscle, and nerve tissues.

Types of Stem Cells

  • Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any type of cell.
  • Tissue (adult) stem cells can only differentiate into certain types of cells. Examples include those found in bone marrow differentiating into white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets.

Cord Blood Cell Banking

  • Cord blood (from umbilical cord) contains a high concentration of tissue stem cells.
  • These stem cells can help treat certain childhood cancers, such as leukemia.
  • Cord blood can be banked for future use.

Tissue Stem Cell Transplantation

  • Cord blood and bone marrow stem cells are relatively easy to isolate.
  • They are used to treat diseases like leukemia.
  • In leukemia, blood cells divide rapidly and non-functionally.
  • Healthy stem cells from a donor are introduced to a patient's bone marrow, replacing the cancerous cells.
  • Some animals, such as salamanders and starfish, have the ability to regenerate lost limbs or parts of their body.
  • Tissue engineering is researching ways to regenerate damaged tissues and parts in humans.

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