Lecture Notes on Cloning and Stem Cells

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on cloning and stem cells, including definitions and explanations.

Cell Differentiation

The process where a generalized cell changes in form and function to become a specialized cell.

Cell Fate

The specialized function that a cell acquires.

Cell Potency

The range of cell types that a cell could acquire if exposed to different inductive environments.

Totipotent Cells

Cells that have unlimited potency and can differentiate into any cell type.

Pluripotent Cells

Cells with high, but not unlimited potency.

Cell Determination

The point at which potency becomes restricted to fate.

Heterotopic Transplantation

A method for testing potency and timing of cell determination.

In Vitro Fertilization

A process where sperm and egg are united in a petri dish, followed by embryo implantation into the uterus.

Embryo Screening

Harvesting cells from an embryo in a lab for genetic testing.

Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Testing for genetic conditions in embryos before implantation.

Amniocentesis

A procedure to withdraw amniotic fluid for fetal cells analysis.

Cloning Techniques

Methods including enucleated egg cells implanted with donor nuclei.

Therapeutic Cloning

Cloning to produce stem cells for treatment of specific conditions.

Reproductive Cloning

Cloning an organism to produce a genetically identical individual.

Transgenic Animals

Animals that have been genetically modified to express genes from another species.

Stem Cells

Cells that can differentiate into various specialized cell types.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Stem cells that are totipotent and can be cultured.

Adult Stem Cells

Stem cells that are typically not totipotent and have limited potency.

Potential Uses of Stem Cells

Applications in treating diseases involving damaged cells, such as spinal injury or Parkinson's.

Genome Editing

The process by which researchers use technologies to change the DNA of an organism.