Cell biologyLesson 6 of 6 in the course The Cellular Level of Organization

Stem Cell Potency, Gene Expression, and Regenerative Applications

5 flashcards · 4 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

Save course
Lesson progress
0 / 5

Your progress is kept in this browser only.Sign up to save it

Summary

A human begins as a single fertilized egg, yet develops into an organism with many specialized cell types. Stem cells help make this development possible and continue to support tissue renewal throughout life. This lesson explores what stem cells are, how their differentiation potential varies, and where different types are found.

A stem cell is an unspecialized cell that can divide as needed and, under specific conditions, differentiate into specialized cells. Unlike a mature cell with a particular structure and job, a stem cell can contribute to the production of other cell types. Stem cells can also renew themselves by dividing to produce more stem cells rather than specializing.

All flashcards

What is cellular differentiation?
It is the process by which unspecialized cells become specialized to carry out distinct functions.
What does potency mean when describing a stem cell?
Potency is the range of cell types into which a stem cell can differentiate. Greater potency means a broader range of potential cell types.
How are totipotent and pluripotent cells different?
Totipotent cells can form all cell types needed for organismal development. Pluripotent cells can form any type of human tissue but cannot by themselves support the full development of an organism.
What is the difference between multipotent and oligopotent stem cells?
Multipotent stem cells can form several types of cells within a lineage or a small number of related lineages. Oligopotent stem cells are more restricted and can form only a few cell types.
What are the main products of hematopoietic stem cells?
Hematopoietic stem cells produce red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Quiz questions

  1. What role do transcription factors play in cell specialization?Answer: They bind specific genes and promote or inhibit their transcription.
  2. What are induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)?Answer: Adult cells genetically reprogrammed to function like embryonic stem cells.
  3. How can embryonic stem cells cause immune rejection in a patient?Answer: The patient's immune system may recognize them as foreign.
  4. What range of cell types can induced pluripotent stem cells generate?Answer: Cells characteristic of all three germ layers.

Based on Anatomy and Physiology 2e by J. Gordon Betts, Kelly A. Young, James A. Wise, Eddie Johnson, Brandon Poe, Dean H. Kruse, Oksana Korol, Jody E. Johnson, Mark Womble, Peter DeSaix (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

More in Cell biology

All Cell biology lessons
Cell biologyKinesin Structure, Motility, Regulation, and Cellular Roles5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →Cell biologyProkaryotic Cell Organization, Envelopes, and Appendages5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →Cell biologyCytoskeletal Filaments, Prokaryotic Systems, and Cellular Mechanics5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →Cell biologyActive and Vesicular Membrane Transport: Gradients, Pumps, and Bulk Transport5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →Cell biologyProkaryotic Binary Fission and FtsZ-Mediated Cytokinesis5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →Cell biologyProkaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell Features and Size Constraints5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 4 gamesPlay free →