lec 8 - embryonic stem cells pt. 2

what are the properties of murine ESC?

what is the most important feature of embryonic stem cells

their ability to differentiate into multiple mature cell types

what is an issue in how ESC differentiation can be controlled? how can this issue be solved?

• issue is ensuring the commitment of cells to just one of the myriad of possible pathways of differentiation (there are too many possibilities - hard to control)

• can be solved by removing aspects of self-renewal (i.e. culture conditions and growth factors that promote self renewal) thereby initiating differentiation

  • induce/force differentiation by taking away proliferating/renewal ability

what are the 3 basic protocols of differentiating ESCs into cells representing the 3 germ layers?

which protocol is the most used? how does it work?

how are “reporter” ESC lines used?

compare and contrast forward and reverse genetics

and how haploidy vs diploidy places a role

what did the first attempt to produce haploid ESC use?

parthenogenesis

what is gametogenesis? compare in males and females

what are spermatogonia and how do they differentiate in spermatogenesis?

how to secondary spermatocytes become mature sperm?

how does the number of primary oocytes in a female change from fetus to puberty?

explain the process of oogenesis

how does parthenogenesis work?

what is a problem with using stem cells for therapy? how can this be combatted?

describe the process of nuclear cloning

describe the process of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)

explain how SCNT relates to Dolly the sheep

describe how mitochondria are inherited in SCNT

what are two risks of ESC transplantation and what technique avoids this?