Stem Cells and Development

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Questions and Answers

What is the common origin of all cells in the human body?

Muscle cells

Gene cells

Somatic cells

Stem cells (correct)

What is the purpose of genes in our DNA?

To provide structure to the nucleus

To give specific instructions for making different proteins (correct)

To regulate cell growth and death

To give instructions for cellular division

What is unique about red blood cells?

They are the only type of stem cell

They have a nucleus like all other cells

They have a unique function in the body

They lack a nucleus (correct)

What is the role of DNA in the development of cells?

It provides the blueprint for building the entire body Signup and view all the answers

What is the analogy used to describe the relationship between genes and DNA?

A library with different books Signup and view all the answers

Why do different cells in the body have different functions?

Because they have different proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe cells that are completely unspecialized?

Stem cells Signup and view all the answers

What determines the characteristics of a cell?

The type of protein it produces Signup and view all the answers

What is inductive signaling or induction similar to?

Peer pressure Signup and view all the answers

How can signals be passed during induction?

Through diffusion, direct contact, or gap junctions Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of cell specialization?

To change gene expression Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the proteins that make up part of a gap junction?

Connexins Signup and view all the answers

What body parts are formed partially through induction?

Limbs, ears, and eyes Signup and view all the answers

What is another way to specialize cells, apart from induction?

Having different transcription factors around Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the direct binding of surface proteins on cells?

Direct contact Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of cell specialization?

Cells changing their gene expression Signup and view all the answers

What does a cell do when it's said to be expressing a certain gene?

Uses the gene to make protein Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a stem cell differentiates into a muscle cell?

It turns on its muscle cell genes and produces contractile proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is true about mature cells that have already differentiated?

They can't differentiate into other cell types Signup and view all the answers

What determines what a cell will specialize into?

The cues the cell receives from its environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of transcription factors in cell differentiation?

They activate certain genes and turn them on Signup and view all the answers

What is asymmetric segregation of cellular determinants?

The unequal distribution of transcription factors during cell division Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the transcription factors during cell division?

They are clustered in one area of the parent cell and end up in specific daughter cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the precursors of transcription factors?

Little bits of mRNA Signup and view all the answers

What is true about pluripotent stem cells?

They can differentiate into any type of somatic cell Signup and view all the answers

What determines the fate of a cell during development?

The cues the cell receives from its environment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stem Cells and Differentiation

Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can develop into different cell types during development.
All cells in the human body come from a common group of stem cells.
Stem cells differentiate into specialized cells through gene expression.

Analogy: Library and Genes

Genes are like books in a library, containing instructions for making proteins.
Each cell has the same DNA library, but uses different genes (books) to make proteins.
Cells are like readers, using different books to gain different abilities.

Gene Expression

Gene expression: when a cell uses certain genes to make proteins.
Genes being expressed are "turned on", while others are "turned off".
Stem cells differentiate by turning on specific genes and turning off others.

Muscle Cell and Neuron Differentiation

Stem cells turn on muscle cell genes to produce proteins, changing cell shape and function.
Stem cells turn on neuron genes to produce proteins, changing cell shape and function.
Specialized cells can't de-differentiate back into stem cells.

Cell Specialization Cues

Cells receive internal and external cues to specialize into different cell types.
Cues can come from transcription factors, asymmetric segregation, or inductive signaling.

Asymmetric Segregation of Cellular Determinants

Transcription factors are clustered in specific areas of the zygote.
When the zygote divides, transcription factors are asymmetrically distributed among daughter cells.
Different genes are activated in each cell, determining cell specialization.

Inductive Signaling (Induction)

Induction is a process where cells or groups of cells induce other cells to differentiate.
Induction can occur through diffusion, direct contact, or gap junctions.
Induction is crucial for forming body parts, like limbs, ears, and eyes.

Goal of Cell Specialization

The goal of cell specialization is to change gene expression, turning on or off specific genes.
This ultimately leads to cells differentiating into more specialized cell types.

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Description

Learn about stem cells and how they develop into specialized cells in the human body. Understand their role in forming different types of cells, from muscle cells to nerve cells and more.