1.1.3 Cell Differentiation

• Cell differentiation is achieved through gene expression, where certain genes are activated while others are turned off.
• Growth factors provide signals that direct which genes should be expressed during cell differentiation.
• What are the two main types of stem cells?

  Embryonic and adult
• The precise control of gene activation and silencing is essential for ensuring each cell type develops correctly.

  True
• What are the two key mechanisms that guide stem cells to become specialized cell types?

  Gene expression and growth factor
• What is the primary goal of tissue engineering in cell differentiation research?

  Grow specialized tissues
• What defines the characteristics and capabilities of specialized cells after differentiation?

  Unique protein production
• Match the growth factor with its effect:

  Muscle Growth Factor ↔️ Stimulates muscle cell development

  Nerve Growth Factor ↔️ Activates nerve cell function
• How do growth factors influence cell differentiation in stem cells?

  Trigger gene expression
• What is the definition of cell differentiation?

  Specialized cells from stem cells
• Match the stem cell type with its differentiation capability:

  Embryonic stem cells ↔️ Pluripotent

  Adult stem cells ↔️ Multipotent
• Cell differentiation ensures that each cell type performs its specialized function effectively.

  True
• What role do growth factors play in cell differentiation?

  Guide gene expression
• Understanding cell differentiation allows us to harness the regenerative potential of stem cells.
• Regenerative medicine aims to replace damaged or diseased cells using stem cells.


  True
• Differentiated cells are used in drug testing to provide a more accurate model than traditional cell lines
• Embryonic stem cells are located in the embryo and are considered pluripotent
• Cell differentiation is controlled by gene expression, where certain genes are activated while others are silenced.


  True
• Steps in tissue engineering for medical applications:

  1️⃣ Isolate stem cells from a source

  2️⃣ Apply growth factors to induce differentiation

  3️⃣ Grow specialized tissues in the lab

  4️⃣ Transplant engineered tissues
• Cell differentiation results in the production of unique proteins that define each cell type.


  True
• Why is cell differentiation important for organisms?

  Specialized cell function
• Cell differentiation is driven by gene expression, where certain genes are activated and others are silenced.
• Match the application of cell differentiation research with its description:

  Regenerative Medicine ↔️ Replace damaged cells

  Tissue Engineering ↔️ Grow specialized tissues

  Drug Testing ↔️ Test drug effects
• Research into cell differentiation has led to several important applications, including regenerative medicine and tissue engineering
• Gene expression involves the activation of certain genes while others are silenced during cell differentiation.


  True
• What are the two main classifications of stem cells based on their location and differentiation capability?

  Embryonic and adult
• Muscle growth factor stimulates the expression of genes needed for muscle cell development