Types of Steps for Stem Cells and theraputic cloning

somatic cell nuclear transfer

cloning technique where the nucleus from a body (somatic) cell is placed into an egg cell whose nucleus has been removed

Two paths of a stem cell

Stem cell self-renews or differentiates into a progenitor cell

progenitor cell

specialized cells that can differentiate into specific cell types and play a key role in tissue repair and regeneration

ESCs (Embryonic Stem Cells)

Obtained from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, capable of self-renewal, are pluripotent

iPSCs (Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells)

Produced by reprogramming adult body cells (e.g., skin cells) using specific genes. No embryo is involved.

1st step reproductive cloning

Remove the nucleus from an egg cell.

2nd step reproductive cloning

Take the nucleus from a donor somatic (body) cell

3rd step reproductive cloning

Insert the donor nucleus into the enucleated (nucleus is removed) egg cell (somatic cell nuclear transfer)

4th step reproductive cloning

Grow the cell in culture until it becomes a ball of cells (embryo).

5th step reproductive cloning

Implant the embryo into a surrogate mother.

6th reproductive cloning

A clone genetically identical to the nucleus donor is born

Stem cell research (therapeutic cloning)

Produces stem cells for research or medical treatments and does not create a new organism.

Reproductive cloning

Creates a whole new organism that is genetically identical to the donor.

Adult stem cells

Multipotent stem cells found in adult tissues that can form a limited range of cell types.

Blastocyst

A hollow ball of cells formed about 5-7 days after fertilization that contains the inner cell mass that will develop into the embryo

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs)

Pluripotent stem cells obtained from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst

Growth factors

Proteins that signal stem cells to grow and differentiate into specific cell types

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)

Adult body cells reprogrammed with specific genes to become pluripotent stem cells.

Pluripotent

Able to develop into almost any cell type in the body

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)

A cloning technique in which the nucleus of a somatic cell is inserted into an egg cell whose nucleus has been removed.

Trophoblast

The outer layer of a blastocyst that helps form the placenta

Zygote

The single cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg. (regrading creating embryonic stem cell)