Cell Diversity & Stem Cells

• Define Differentiation:

  The process by which a stem cell becomes specialised for a specific function
• Define Stem Cells:

  Undifferentiated genetically identical cells that have the ability to develop into any kind of cell via mitosis
• How do stem cells differentiate?

  Gene expression
• Sperm cells are also called spermatozoa
• Define Pluripotent:

  Stem cells that are able to differentiate into any type of cell in the body
• State the characteristics of stem cells:

  • undifferentiated
  • pluripotent
  • have the ability to express all their genes
  • divides by mitosis
• Outline the sources of stem cells, what they can be obtained from:

  • embryonic stem cells present in an early embryo
  • stem cells in umbilical cord blood
  • adult stem cells in bone marrow
  • induced pluripotent stem cells developed (iPS) in laboratories
• State the uses of stem cells in research & medicine:

  • bone marrow transplant
  • drug testing
  • development biology
  • Tissue repair and replacement
  • Treat neurological diseases
• Define Regenerative Medicine:

  A field in medicine that deals with the use of stem cells to populate a bioscaffold of an organ which develops and grows into a specific organ for transplanting
• Define Regenerative Medicine:

  A field in medicine that deals with the use of stem cells to populate a bioscaffold of an organ which develops and grows into a specific organ for transplanting
• Erythrocytes need to be replaced from bone marrow stem cells because erythrocytes are unable to undergo mitosis