Cell Biology, Mitosis, and Stem Cells

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering chromosomes, the stages of the cell cycle, mitosis, stem cell types, therapeutic cloning, and associated ethical and practical issues.

Chromosomes

Structures consisting of DNA molecules combined with proteins, containing genes that provide the instructions for protein synthesis.

Chromosome Arrangement in Body Cells

Arranged in pairs within the nucleus, where $46$ chromosomes form $23$ pairs.

Cell Cycle

A three-stage process consisting of the replication of DNA and synthesis of organelles, mitosis, and division of the cell.

Mitosis

The second stage of the cell cycle where each chromosome in a pair is pulled to opposite poles of the cell and the nucleus divides, producing identical cells for growth and repair.

First Stage of the Cell Cycle

The longest stage of the cell cycle during which cells grow, increase in mass, replicate DNA, and synthesise more organelles such as mitochondria and ribosomes.

Third Stage of the Cell Cycle

The stage of the cell cycle where the cytoplasm and cell membrane divide, producing two identical daughter cells.

Stem Cell

An unspecialised cell that is capable of differentiating into other cell types and of self-renewal.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Cells from embryos that can replicate themselves and differentiate into many other types of cells, holding the potential to treat conditions such as paralysis and diabetes by replacing damaged cells.

Adult Bone Marrow Stem Cells

Stem cells that can differentiate into several cell types, such as many different types of blood cells, to replace dead or damaged tissues.

Plant Meristem Stem Cells

Cells that retain the ability to differentiate into any type of plant cell throughout their lifespan, producing any cell required by the plant.

Therapeutic Cloning

A cloning method where an embryo is produced with the same genetic makeup as the patient, generating stem cells that will not be rejected by the patient's immune system.

Advantages of Meristem Cloning

Benefits of cloning plants using meristem stem cells, including preventing rare plants from extinction, producing large numbers of plants with a favourable characteristic, and producing identical plants for research.

Issues Associated with Stem Cells

Concerns including ethical or religious objections to using aborted embryos, slow, expensive, and difficult therapy development, risk of viral transmission from adult stem cells, and potential immune responses if donor genetics do not match.