Stem Cells (Unit Test)

Cellular Differentiation

• When a cell becomes specialized, it begins to show differences in shape, content, and function from those of surrounding cells.

• This process is referred to as “cellular differentiation”

• Cellular differentiation is directed by → the genetic information of the cell (DNA)

Stem Cells

• Stem Cell: an undifferentiated cell that can divide to form specialized cells

• A stem cell divides into two daughter cells through the processes of mitosis and cytokinesis

• Each resulting daughter cell can develop into a different type of cell, based on which part of its DNA is switched on

• In animals, a cell that can differentiate into various specialized cells is referred to as a “stem cell.”

• They can differentiate into different types of tissue:

  • Epithelial

  • Muscle

  • Nerve

Two Main Forms of Stem Cells

• Embryonic (pluripotent or omnipotent):

  • These stem cells can differentiate into any kind of cell

• Tissue (adult) stem cells (multipotent):

  • These stem cells are limited to differentiating into certain types of cells:

    • Red blood cells

    • White blood cells

    • Platelets