Stem cells

Fertilized Egg

Initial cell that divides to form an organism.

Totipotency

Ability to form a complete multicellular organism.

Tissues

Groups of cells performing specific functions.

Mechanical Strength

Support provided by connective tissues.

Oxygen Delivery

Transport of oxygen via blood vessels.

Electrical Signaling

Communication through nerve cells.

Cell Communication

Cells monitor and respond to signals.

Selective Cell Adhesion

Cells bind selectively to maintain structure.

Cell Memory

Cells retain identity and pass it to progeny.

Tissue Renewal Rates

Patterns of cell turnover in tissues.

Intestinal Cells

Renew every 3-6 days.

Nervous Tissue

Does not divide after development.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down old bone matrix.

Osteoblasts

Cells that build new bone matrix.

Blood Cells

Generated in bone marrow, lifespan ~120 days.

Skin Renewal

Skin cells renewed approximately every 2 months.

Differentiated Cells

Specialized cells that cannot divide.

Terminally Differentiated

Cells at the end of their developmental pathway.

Proliferating Precursor Cells

Cells that arise from stem cells.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that can divide indefinitely.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell

Stem cell producing blood cells in bone marrow.

Wnt Proteins

Signals promoting stem cell proliferation in intestines.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Pluripotent cells that can differentiate into any cell type.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Adult cells reprogrammed to an ES-like state.

Organoids

Miniature organs formed from stem cells.

Human ES Cells

Potential source for tissue repair and replacement.

Ethical Considerations

Concerns regarding use of human embryos.

Cell-Based Therapies

Using stem cells to treat diseases.

Organoid Formation

Process of creating organ-like structures in vitro.

Mouse iPS Cells

Used to study tissue formation and development.,