2.6- Cell division, cell diversity and cell differentiation

• What is the main focus of drug research involving stem cells?

  Testing new drugs on human tissue
• How can stem cells contribute to developmental biology?

  They help understand multicellular organism development
• What types of cells can stem cells develop into?

  Blood, bone, muscle, and skin cells
• What is the significance of extending the growth capacity of embryos?

  It may enhance tissue repair in later life
• What is a challenge in culturing stem cells in a lab?

  Difficulty in directing their differentiation
• How have stem cells been used in treating type 1 diabetes in mice?

  By programming iPS cells into pancreatic beta cells
• What potential treatment could bone-marrow stem cells provide?

  Treatment for liver disease
• What diseases could stem cells directed to become nerve tissue potentially treat?

  Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases
• What is regenerative medicine?

  Using stem cells to create organ transplants
• What is a benefit of using a patient's own stem cells for organ creation?

  No need for immunosuppressant drugs
• What conditions might stem cells eventually treat?

  Arthritis, strokes, burns, and heart disease
• What are embryonic stem cells?

  Stem cells present in early embryos
• What are induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells)?

  Reprogrammed differentiated cells to become undifferentiated
• What is the role of bone-marrow stem cells in transplants?

  To treat blood and immune system diseases
• How do xylem and phloem derive from meristems?

  Through differentiation of cambium cells
• What is the function of xylem vessels?

  To carry water and minerals from roots
• What do phloem sieve tubes transfer?

  Products of photosynthesis from leaves
• What is meristematic tissue?

  Area of unspecialized cells that can divide
• What is the main function of epidermal tissue in plants?

  To provide a protective covering
• What are the three types of muscle tissue?

  Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle
• What is the role of chondroblasts in cartilage?

  To secrete the extracellular matrix
• What is hyaline cartilage's function in adults?

  To cover ends of long bones
• Where is fibrous cartilage found?

  In discs between vertebrae
• What is the function of elastic cartilage?

  To provide flexibility and support
• What are the main functions of plant organs?

  • Photosynthesis (leaf)
  • Anchorage and absorption (root)
  • Support and transportation (stem)
  • Sexual reproduction (flower)
• What are the key definitions related to stem cells?

  • Stem cell: Unspecialized cell that can divide
  • Meristem: Area of unspecialized cells in plants
  • Organ: Collection of tissues performing a function
  • Phloem: Carries products of photosynthesis
  • Xylem: Carries water and minerals from roots
• What are the main types of plant tissues?

  • Epidermal tissue: Protective covering
  • Vascular tissue: Transport of water and nutrients
  • Meristematic tissue: Source of new cells
• What are the functions of muscle tissue?

  • Skeletal muscle: Movement of bones
  • Cardiac muscle: Pumping blood
  • Smooth muscle: Propelling substances along tracts
• What are the types of cartilage and their functions?

  • Hyaline: Forms embryonic skeleton and covers bones
  • Fibrous: Provides support in joints
  • Elastic: Provides flexibility in structures
• What type of muscle makes up the walls of the heart?

  Cardiac muscle
• What is the function of cardiac muscle?

  It allows the heart to beat and pump blood
• Where is smooth muscle found?

  In walls of intestines and blood vessels
• What does smooth muscle do?

  It propels substances along tracts
• What are immature cells in cartilage called?

  Chondroblasts
• What happens to chondroblasts after they secrete the extracellular matrix?

  They become mature chondrocytes
• How many types of cartilage are there?

  Three types
• What are the three types of cartilage?

  Hyaline, fibrous, and elastic
• What does hyaline cartilage form in the body?

  Embryonic skeleton and joint surfaces
• Where is fibrous cartilage found?

  In discs between vertebrae and knee joints
• What does elastic cartilage make up?

  Outer ear and epiglottis