Stem Cells and Bacterial Transformation

Vocabulary flashcards based on the stem cell and bacterial transformation lecture notes.

Stem Cells

Cells with the ability to differentiate into various cell types in the body.

Differentiation

The process by which a cell changes from one cell type to another, involving the activation and deactivation of specific genes.

Totipotent

Stem cells that can differentiate into any cell type, including embryonic and extraembryonic tissues.

Pluripotent

Stem cells that can differentiate into any cell type in the body, but not extraembryonic tissues.

Multipotent

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

Blastocyst

A structure formed in the early development of mammals, possessing an inner cell mass (ICM) that forms the embryo.

Adult Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells found throughout the body after development that multiply by cell division to replenish dying cells and regenerate damaged tissues.

Umbilical Cord Stem Cells

Stem cells collected from the umbilical cord after birth, which are a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

Adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state.

Dedifferentiation

The process by which a specialized cell reverts to a less specialized state.

Transdifferentiation

The process by which one mature somatic cell transforms into another mature somatic cell without undergoing an intermediate pluripotent state.

Bacterial Transformation

The process by which bacteria take up foreign DNA from their surroundings.

Restriction Enzymes

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific recognition nucleotide sequences known as restriction sites.

Ligase

An enzyme that joins DNA fragments together by catalyzing the formation of a phosphodiester bond.

Antibiotic Selection

A process where bacteria that have taken up a plasmid conferring antibiotic resistance are selected by growing them in the presence of the antibiotic.