Cell Differentiation, Stem Cells & Specialized Cells

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms in cell differentiation, stem cell biology, specialized plant and animal cells, and basic tissue types.

Organization (Biology)

The structured hierarchy of living systems, from atoms to molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and organisms.

Form Fits Function

Principle that the structure of a biological component determines how it works.

Cell Specialization

Process by which generic cells develop into cells with specific roles within an organism.

Cell Differentiation

The series of events that leads stem cells to become specialized cell types.

Stem Cell

An undifferentiated cell capable of self-renewal and differentiation into specialized cells.

Totipotent Stem Cell

Stem cell able to form all cell types, including extra-embryonic tissues; example: zygote.

Pluripotent Stem Cell

Stem cell that can give rise to almost all body cell types but not extra-embryonic tissues.

Multipotent Stem Cell

Adult stem cell that can produce a limited range of related cell types; e.g., hematopoietic stem cell.

Oligopotent Stem Cell

Stem cell restricted to a few closely related cell lineages.

Nullipotent (Terminal) Cell

Fully differentiated cell with no capacity to divide or produce other cell types.

Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells

Pluripotent cells isolated from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, capable of generating all body cell types.

Tissue (Adult) Stem Cells

Multipotent stem cells found in specific tissues throughout life, responsible for routine repair and renewal.

Induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) Cells

Body cells genetically reprogrammed to a pluripotent state, eliminating the need for embryos.

Hematopoiesis

The formation of blood cellular components from hematopoietic stem cells.

Myogenesis

The developmental process that forms muscle cells from precursor cells.

Self-Renewal

Ability of a stem cell to divide and produce identical daughter stem cells, maintaining the stem cell pool.

Blastocyst

Early embryo (≈5–6 days post-fertilization) containing an inner cell mass and an outer trophoblast layer.

Inner Cell Mass

Cluster of cells inside the blastocyst that gives rise to the embryo and provides embryonic stem cells.

Germ Layers

Primary layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm) formed during gastrulation that generate all tissues.

Ectoderm

Outer germ layer producing skin, nervous system, and some sensory organs.

Mesoderm

Middle germ layer forming muscle, bone, blood, and connective tissues.

Endoderm

Inner germ layer giving rise to gut lining, lungs, liver, and pancreas.

Red Blood Cell (Erythrocyte)

Disk-shaped cell lacking a nucleus, packed with hemoglobin to transport oxygen.

Neuron (Nerve Cell)

Long, highly connected cell specialized to transmit electrical impulses throughout the body.

Muscle Cell (Myocyte)

Elongated contractile cell; includes skeletal, cardiac, and smooth types for movement and pumping.

Ciliated Cell

Epithelial cell with cilia that sweep mucus and debris from respiratory passages.

Sperm Cell

Motile male gamete with a tail (flagellum) and enzyme-rich head designed to fertilize an egg.

Egg (Ovum) Cell

Large female gamete containing nutrient-rich yolk to support early embryo development.

Palisade Mesophyll Cell

Tall, chloroplast-rich leaf cell specialized for photosynthesis.

Guard Cell

Bean-shaped leaf cell that regulates stomatal pore opening to control gas exchange.

Root Hair Cell

Elongated root epidermal cell with a hair-like projection that increases surface area for water and mineral absorption.

Xylem Cell

Dead, tubular plant cell forming vessels that transport water from roots to leaves.

Phloem Tissue

Living plant tissue (sieve tubes + companion cells) transporting sugars and nutrients throughout the plant.

Tissue (General Definition)

Group of similar-origin cells organized to perform specific structural or functional roles.

Epithelial Tissue

Protective, absorptive, and secretory tissue derived from all germ layers, lining surfaces and cavities.

Connective Tissue

Mesoderm-derived tissue providing support, storage, binding, and transport (e.g., bone, blood).

Muscular Tissue

Mesoderm-derived tissue specialized for contraction and movement.

Nervous Tissue

Ectoderm-derived tissue specialized for conduction of electrical signals and coordination of body functions.