3.3.3 Stem Cells

• What are the two unique properties of stem cells?

  Self-renewal and differentiation
• Self-renewal refers to the ability of stem cells to undergo cell division while maintaining their undifferentiated state
• Differentiation is the process of stem cells changing into specialized cells with specific functions.
• Match the stem cell type with its differentiation potential:

  Totipotent ↔️ Any cell in the organism

  Pluripotent ↔️ Any cell in the embryo

  Multipotent ↔️ Limited range of cell types
• What is an example of a totipotent cell?

  Zygote
• Pluripotent cells can differentiate into any cell in the embryo, but not extra-embryonic cells.
• Multipotent stem cells can differentiate into any cell type within the embryo.

  False
• Which type of stem cell can form extra-embryonic tissues like the placenta?

  Totipotent
• Order the stem cell types based on their differentiation potential from highest to lowest:

  1️⃣ Totipotent

  2️⃣ Pluripotent

  3️⃣ Multipotent
• What is an example of a pluripotent cell?

  Inner cell mass of blastocyst
• A totipotent cell can differentiate into any cell type in the organism.
• Multipotent stem cells can differentiate into a limited range of cell types within a tissue or organ.
• Why are totipotent cells considered the most versatile stem cells?

  They can form any cell type
• Pluripotent cells can form extra-embryonic tissues like the placenta.

  False
• What is an example of a multipotent cell?

  Hematopoietic stem cell
• Pluripotent cells cannot form extra-embryonic tissues.
• Match the stem cell type with its example:

  Totipotent ↔️ Zygote

  Pluripotent ↔️ Inner cell mass

  Multipotent ↔️ Hematopoietic stem cell
• Order the roles of stem cells in tissue repair:

  1️⃣ Replace damaged cells

  2️⃣ Form new tissues

  3️⃣ Regenerate organs
• What are the two key properties of stem cells that enable their role in development and tissue repair?

  Self-renewal and differentiation
• During development, stem cells give rise to various cell types that form tissues and organs.
• Stem cells in tissue repair help replace damaged or lost cells.
• Match the role of stem cells with its description:

  Development ↔️ Stem cells differentiate into various cell types to form tissues and organs

  Tissue Repair ↔️ Stem cells replace damaged or lost cells to restore tissue function
• What type of stem cells differentiate into blood cells to replace those lost due to injury or disease?

  Hematopoietic stem cells
• Stem cell research raises several ethical considerations.
• Why is the use of embryonic stem cells controversial in research?

  Destruction of embryos
• Steps to ensure ethical standards in stem cell research

  1️⃣ Ethical oversight

  2️⃣ High ethical standards

  3️⃣ Respect for human dignity

  4️⃣ Protection of individuals from harm
• Match the ethical consideration with its description:

  Source of Embryonic Stem Cells ↔️ The destruction of embryos to obtain embryonic stem cells is controversial.

  Potential Misuse ↔️ Stem cells could be used for non-medical enhancements, raising fairness concerns.

  Informed Consent ↔️ Patients must be fully informed about risks and benefits.
• What are stem cells defined as in multicellular organisms?

  Undifferentiated cells
• Self-renewal refers to the ability of stem cells to undergo cell division while maintaining their undifferentiated state.
• What is the process called by which stem cells change into specialized cells with specific functions?

  Differentiation
• Hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow can differentiate into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• Match the stem cell type with its differentiation potential:

  Totipotent ↔️ Can differentiate into any cell in the organism

  Pluripotent ↔️ Can differentiate into any cell in the embryo

  Multipotent ↔️ Can differentiate into a limited range of cell types
• Totipotent cells are the most versatile and can become any cell type in the organism.
• Pluripotent cells can form extra-embryonic tissues like the placenta.

  False
• What is an example of multipotent stem cells in the body?

  Hematopoietic stem cells
• Which type of stem cell is capable of becoming any cell type in the organism, including extra-embryonic tissues?

  Totipotent
• Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into all cells within the embryo but cannot form extra-embryonic tissues
• Multipotent stem cells can differentiate into a limited set of cell types within a specific tissue or organ.
• Match the stem cell type with its differentiation potential:

  Totipotent ↔️ Can differentiate into any cell in the organism, including embryonic and extra-embryonic cells

  Pluripotent ↔️ Can differentiate into any cell in the embryo, but not extra-embryonic cells

  Multipotent ↔️ Can differentiate into a limited range of cell types within a tissue or organ
• An example of a totipotent cell is the zygote