Stem Cells and Mitosis

Flashcards created for reviewing key concepts related to stem cells and the process of mitosis in Year 11 Biology.

What are stem cells?

Unspecialized cells that can develop into many different cell types under special conditions.

What is the first stage of stem cell differentiation in animals?

The formation of a hollow ball called the blastula.

What type of stem cell can differentiate into any type of cell?

Totipotent stem cells.

What are pluripotent stem cells?

Stem cells that can differentiate into any cell types within a broad group.

What is the difference between multipotent and unipotent stem cells?

Multipotent stem cells can differentiate into a limited number of closely related cell types, while unipotent stem cells can only form one specific cell type.

What are the two key properties of all stem cells?

Self-renewal and differentiation.

What occurs during the process of mitosis?

Cell growth and repair by producing daughter cells through division.

What happens to DNA in differentiated cells?

Specific parts of the DNA that are not needed are permanently switched off.

How do cells in the gastrula receive instructions for differentiation?

They receive chemical messages that trigger the switching on or off of specific genes.

What type of stem cells are found in the embryo of animals?

Totipotent and pluripotent stem cells, also known as embryonic stem cells.