B2.3 cell specialisation

• What is the initial state of a human being after fertilization?

  One cell large
• How do we describe the change from a single cell to a complex organism?

  Through the lens of specialization
• What is the first cell formed after fertilization called?

  Zygote
• What process allows the zygote to split into multiple cells?

  Mitosis
• What happens during cell differentiation?

  Different genes are switched on in different cells
• How does the signaling of genes affect cell differentiation?

  It determines the specific roles of each cell
• What role do chemical signals play in cell differentiation?

  They guide cells based on their location
• What are stem cells?

  Precursor cells that create all other cells
• What are the two unique properties of stem cells?

  Capacity to endlessly divide and capacity to differentiate
• Why are stem cells important during embryonic development?

  They help build early formations of tissues and organs
• What happens to a stem cell once it differentiates into a specific cell type?

  It can no longer revert back to a stem cell
• Where can stem cells be found in the adult body?

  Bone marrow and hair follicles
• How do stem cells in bone marrow contribute to the body?

  They replenish red blood cells
• What is a stem cell's niche?

  A specific location where stem cells help in tissue repair
• What happens to stem cells when they are not needed?

  They remain in their niche as stem cells
• How are stem cells classified based on their differentiation ability?

  Totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent
• What is the least restrictive classification of stem cells?

  Totipotent stem cells
• What do pluripotent stem cells create during development?

  Tissues for the body
• What are multipotent stem cells committed to?

  A specific pathway based on their niche
• How does the size of a cell relate to its function?

  Larger cells have specific functions like muscle contraction
• What is the diameter of striated muscle fibers?

  Around 50 micrometers
• What is the diameter of red blood cells?

  Around 7 micrometers
• Why can't cells grow larger than a certain size?

  Due to limitations in material exchange
• What is the relationship between surface area and volume in cells?

  As cells grow, volume increases faster than surface area
• What happens when a cell becomes too large?

  It may divide by mitosis to create smaller daughter cells
• What are the stages of cell development from a zygote to specialized cells?

  1. Zygote formation
  2. Mitosis to create multiple cells
  3. Cell differentiation into specialized cells
  4. Signaling of genes based on location
  5. Formation of tissues and organs
• What are the types of stem cells and their characteristics?

  • Totipotent: Can differentiate into any cell type, found in early embryos
  • Pluripotent: Can create tissues but not entire organisms
  • Multipotent: Committed to specific pathways, can create a few cell types
• How does the differentiation process affect cell size and function?

  • Differentiation leads to specialized functions
  • Cell size varies based on function
  • Larger cells like striated muscle fibers are designed for contraction
  • Smaller cells like red blood cells are designed for nutrient exchange
• What is the significance of the surface area to volume ratio in cells?

  • Smaller cells have a higher surface area to volume ratio
  • Larger cells struggle with material exchange
  • Cells may divide to maintain efficiency