STEM Cells and Molecular Embryology

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What is a key characteristic of stem cells?

Ability to differentiate into only nerve cells

Ability to stay in a specialized state forever

Ability to differentiate into only one type of cell

Ability to divide and renew themselves (correct)

What is the process called when stem cells give rise to specialized cells?

Pluripotency

Symmetric division

Regeneration

Differentiation (correct)

What prevents the differentiation of stem cells?

Continuous expression of transcription factors (correct)

Cell surface proteins

Lack of transcription factors

DNA mutations

How can stem cells be identified?

By labelling transcription factors in the cytoplasm Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of symmetric division in stem cells?

Two identical daughter stem cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a progenitor cell?

A cell that is intermediate between stem cell and specialized cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of transcription factors in stem cells?

They prevent differentiation Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of asymmetric division in stem cells?

One stem cell and one progenitor cell are produced Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of a progenitor cell?

Ability to differentiate but with no self-renewal ability Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between totipotent and pluripotent stem cells?

Totipotent stem cells can differentiate into all cell types, including the placenta, while pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into all cell types except the placenta Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of multipotent stem cells?

Ability to differentiate into a limited number of cell types Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of embryonic stem cells?

From the inner cell mass of the blastocyst Signup and view all the answers

How can embryonic stem cells be directed to become certain tissue?

By culturing them with a mix of growth factors and certain regulatory factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification of stem cells based on their original source?

Based on their original source into three types: embryonic, adult, and induced pluripotent cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between unipotent and multipotent stem cells?

Unipotent stem cells can differentiate into only one cell type, while multipotent stem cells can differentiate into multiple cell types Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of induced pluripotent stem cells?

Derived from adult cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of DNA methylation in the development and cell differentiation?

To silence gene expression Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of DNA demethylation of a gene promoter?

Transcriptional activation Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) enzymes?

To add methyl groups to DNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of epigenetic processes in gene expression?

They modify gene expression without changing the DNA sequence Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of global demethylation of the DNA after fertilization?

Establishment of new embryonic characters Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of asymmetric segregation of cytoplasmic contents in embryonic development?

It stimulates the correct specialization of cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the pattern of DNA methylation after fertilization?

Global demethylation followed by methylation Signup and view all the answers

What is the process that guides the fate of precursor cells in a step-by-step differentiation process?

DNA methylation and unequal distribution of cytoplasmic contents Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the motile cilia in the primitive node?

To create a leftward flow of fluid and molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of disruptions in the process of left-right body axis determination?

Malpositioning of internal organs Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the inducer cell in the process of induction?

To produce molecular signals that induce changes in the responder cell Signup and view all the answers

What type of signaling involves diffusable factors that bind to specific receptors on target cells?

Paracrine signaling Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the binding of paracrine factors to their receptors on target cells?

Activation or inhibition of gene expression Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between paracrine and juxtacrine signaling?

The presence or absence of diffusable factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the NODAL growth differentiation factor in the establishment of the right and left axes of the body?

To induce the secretion of LEFTY-2 Signup and view all the answers

Which protein is involved in cell growth and differentiation during embryonic development?

Sonic Hedgehog Signup and view all the answers

What is the example of a paracrine factor mentioned in the text?

Fibroblast growth factor Signup and view all the answers

What type of molecules are involved in mediating cell-to-cell interactions and triggering intracellular responses?

Transmembrane glycoproteins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is responsible for tissue morphogenesis and coordinated cell movements?

Cadherins Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the protein that is involved in the activation of genes involved in the implantation process of the blastocyst in the endometrium?

Integrins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the Notch signaling pathway?

It promotes neuronal differentiation Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the gene that was named because it coded for a pattern of bristles on the leg of Drosophila that resembled the shape of a hedgehog?

Hedgehog gene Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of defects in L-selectin adhesion?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of E-cadherin in implantation?

It is important for the motility of the trophoblast during implantation Signup and view all the answers