2.2.3 Stem Cells

• What is the unique ability of stem cells that allows them to divide indefinitely?

  Self-renewal
• What is the term for the ability of embryonic stem cells to differentiate into any cell type in the body?

  Pluripotency
• What are the two key properties of stem cells?

  Self-renewal and differentiation
• Self-renewal ensures a constant supply of undifferentiated cells.

  True
• Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent
• What are the two main properties of stem cells?

  Self-renewal and differentiation
• What is the ability of stem cells to divide and replicate indefinitely called?

  Self-renewal
• Stem cells can self-renew indefinitely.


  True
• The use of embryonic stem cells raises ethical concerns due to embryo use.


  True
• External signals bind to receptors on the stem cell's surface
• Adult stem cells are multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into a limited range of cell types
• Embryonic stem cells raise ethical concerns due to the use of embryos
• Differentiation is the process by which stem cells become specialized cell types.


  True
• What are the three key steps in stem cell differentiation?

  Signaling, gene activation, cell specialization
• Match the stem cell type with its characteristic:

  Undifferentiated stem cell ↔️ Simple and uniform structure

  Differentiated cell ↔️ Specialized shape
• Bone marrow transplants using stem cells can cure leukemia
• What is a major ethical concern in stem cell research regarding embryos?

  Embryo destruction
• Stem cells are considered undifferentiated
• Adult stem cells are found in specific tissues
• Steps in stem cell differentiation

  1️⃣ Signaling

  2️⃣ Gene Activation

  3️⃣ Cell Specialization
• Why are adult stem cells ethically less problematic than embryonic stem cells?

  No embryo use
• Adult stem cells can differentiate into any cell type.

  False
• Hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow are an example of stem cells undergoing self-renewal
• Hematopoietic stem cells replenish blood cells through the process of self-renewal
• External signals bind to receptors on the stem cell's surface
• Stem cells can be used to repair damaged cartilage in arthritis.


  True
• Embryonic stem cells raise ethical concerns due to the potential for tumor formation.

  False
• Weighing medical advancements against moral objections is an ethical dilemma in stem cell research.


  True
• External signals activate specific genes during stem cell differentiation.


  True
• What are two potential uses of stem cells in medicine?

  Regenerative medicine and treating genetic disorders
• What is a limitation of regenerative medicine using stem cells?

  Limited differentiation potential
• The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has established ethical guidelines