Stem Cells & Regeneration of Cells/Tissue

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary related to stem cells and their functions, types, and implications.

Stem Cell

Undifferentiated cells that can reproduce and differentiate into specialized cells.

Regeneration

The process of replacing or regrowing a body part.

Differentiation

The process by which a cell changes its form and function.

Totipotent

Stem cells that can differentiate into any cell type and form a new organism.

Pluripotent

Stem cells that can differentiate into almost any cell type but cannot form an entire organism.

Multipotent

Stem cells that can differentiate into a limited range of cell types.

Self-renewal

The ability of stem cells to undergo many cycles of cell division while remaining undifferentiated.

Cell Division

The process through which a cell divides to create new cells.

Zygote

The initial cell formed when a sperm cell merges with an egg cell.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of pre-implantation embryos.

Adult Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells found in mature tissues that can differentiate into specific cell types.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS)

Pluripotent cells generated by reprogramming differentiated cells.

Myeloid progenitor

A stem cell that gives rise to various types of blood cells.

Common Lymphoid progenitor

A stem cell that produces lymphocytes (T-cells and B-cells).

Erythroblast

A precursor cell that develops into an erythrocyte (red blood cell).

Neutrophil

A type of white blood cell that fights infection.

Liver

An organ capable of limited regeneration, particularly in response to injury.

Nerve Cells

Specialized cells that transmit signals in the nervous system.

Regeneration in Humans

Limited ability to regrow entire limbs or organs; mostly skin and muscle can heal.

Medical Application of Stem Cells

The use of stem cells to regenerate body parts and organs.