Stem Cell Basics Check-up

1. All Stem Cells have the ability to differentiate. What does it mean for a cell to differentiate?

An unspecialized cell acquires the features and abilities of a specialized cell.

A specialized cell loses its features to become unspecialized.

When a cell differentiates, it means that an unspecialized cell undergoes a process in which it acquires the characteristics and functions of a specialized cell. This allows the cell to perform specific tasks and contribute to the functioning of a particular tissue or organ in the body. Differentiation is a crucial process in development and regeneration, as it enables cells to specialize and fulfill their specific roles in maintaining the overall health and functionality of an organism.

Explanation

When a cell differentiates, it means that an unspecialized cell undergoes a process in which it acquires the characteristics and functions of a specialized cell. This allows the cell to perform specific tasks and contribute to the functioning of a particular tissue or organ in the body. Differentiation is a crucial process in development and regeneration, as it enables cells to specialize and fulfill their specific roles in maintaining the overall health and functionality of an organism.

2. What does pleuripotent mean?

Something that is extremely powerful and strong.

A serious, incurable infection.

Can turn into any cell type.

Pleuripotent refers to the ability of a cell to differentiate into any cell type in the body. This means that pleuripotent cells have the potential to develop into various specialized cell types such as muscle cells, nerve cells, or blood cells. The term "extremely powerful and strong" and "a serious, incurable infection" do not accurately describe the meaning of pleuripotent.

Explanation

Pleuripotent refers to the ability of a cell to differentiate into any cell type in the body. This means that pleuripotent cells have the potential to develop into various specialized cell types such as muscle cells, nerve cells, or blood cells. The term "extremely powerful and strong" and "a serious, incurable infection" do not accurately describe the meaning of pleuripotent.

3. Stem Cells are distinguished by two important characteristics. The first is the ability to become very specific cell types, such as blood cells or heart cells. What is the second characteristic?

They glow under a microscope.

They can divide endlessly to form new cells.

They can move to any part of the body.

The second characteristic of stem cells is their ability to divide endlessly to form new cells. This means that stem cells have the capacity for self-renewal, allowing them to continuously produce more stem cells. This property is crucial for the regenerative potential of stem cells, as it enables them to replenish damaged or diseased tissues with new, healthy cells.

Explanation

The second characteristic of stem cells is their ability to divide endlessly to form new cells. This means that stem cells have the capacity for self-renewal, allowing them to continuously produce more stem cells. This property is crucial for the regenerative potential of stem cells, as it enables them to replenish damaged or diseased tissues with new, healthy cells.

4. Where do Embryonic Stem Cells come from?

Magical Stem Cell Fairy

Umbilical Cord Blood

Fertilized Human Eggs

Embryonic stem cells are derived from fertilized human eggs. These cells are obtained from the inner cell mass of the embryo during the blastocyst stage, which is typically around five to six days after fertilization. These cells have the ability to differentiate into any type of cell in the body, making them valuable for medical research and potential therapeutic applications. The use of embryonic stem cells is a controversial topic due to ethical concerns surrounding the destruction of embryos to obtain these cells.

Explanation

Embryonic stem cells are derived from fertilized human eggs. These cells are obtained from the inner cell mass of the embryo during the blastocyst stage, which is typically around five to six days after fertilization. These cells have the ability to differentiate into any type of cell in the body, making them valuable for medical research and potential therapeutic applications. The use of embryonic stem cells is a controversial topic due to ethical concerns surrounding the destruction of embryos to obtain these cells.

5. What is another name for a somatic stem cell?

Embryonic Stem Cell

Adult Stem Cell

Differentiated Stem Cell

Another name for a somatic stem cell is an adult stem cell. Adult stem cells are found in various tissues and organs of the body and have the ability to differentiate into specialized cell types. Unlike embryonic stem cells, which are derived from embryos, adult stem cells are present in the body throughout an individual's life and play a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration.

Explanation

Another name for a somatic stem cell is an adult stem cell. Adult stem cells are found in various tissues and organs of the body and have the ability to differentiate into specialized cell types. Unlike embryonic stem cells, which are derived from embryos, adult stem cells are present in the body throughout an individual's life and play a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration.

STEM Cell Basics Check-up