1A4- Cellular differentiation

What is cellular differentiation?

the process by which a cell expresses certain genes to produce proteins that are characteristic for that type of cell

What does cellular differentiation allow?

allows a cell to carry out specialised functions

What are meristems?

regions of unspecialised cells in plants that can divide (self-renew) and differentiate

What are stem cells?

unspecialised cells in animals that can divide (self-renew) and differentiate

What does multipotent mean?

refers to stem cells which can only differentiate into cell types of that tissue

What does pluripotent mean?

refers to stem cells which can differentiate into all cell types of that organism

Are tissue stem cells pluripotent or multipotent?

multipotent

Are embryonic stem cells pluripotent or multipotent?

pluripotent

Why are embryonic stem cells pluripotent?

all of their genes can be switched on

What are tissue stem cells involved in?

the growth, repair and renewal of cells found in that tissue

Name two examples of therapeutic uses of stem cells

involves repair of damaged or diseased organs or tissues e.g.

• corneal repair

• skin graft repair

Name two examples of research uses of stem cells

they can be used as model cells to study how diseases develop or for drug testing

What information does stem cell research provide?

how cell processes such as growth, differentiation and gene regulation work

Name two ethical concerns on the use of embryonic stem cells

they can offer effective treatments for disease and injury, but involves the destruction of an embryo, meaning the loss of a potential human life

Why are tissue stem cells multipotent?

only some of their genes can be switched on