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Cell Differentiation Notes

The document discusses cell differentiation, explaining how specialized cells arise from stem cells, which can be totipotent or pluripotent. It highlights the role of embryonic and adult stem cells in development and regenerative medicine, as well as the ethical issues surrounding stem cell research. The potential benefits and controversies of using stem cells for medical purposes are also evaluated.

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Sherri Sagan
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3 views

Cell Differentiation Notes

The document discusses cell differentiation, explaining how specialized cells arise from stem cells, which can be totipotent or pluripotent. It highlights the role of embryonic and adult stem cells in development and regenerative medicine, as well as the ethical issues surrounding stem cell research. The potential benefits and controversies of using stem cells for medical purposes are also evaluated.

Uploaded by

Sherri Sagan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Cell Differentiation

Learning Objectives
 Investigate how cells become specialized for different
functions.
 Explain what stem cells are.
 Evaluate some possible benefits and issues associated
with stem cell research.

 the human body has one hundred trillion cells, a majority


of the cells in their body are of a distinct cell type; they are
specialized.
 How does one cell gives rise to all these different
specialized cells?
From One Cell to Many
During the development of an organism, cells differentiate to
become specialized .

Carry out Transport


Absorbs photosynthesis materials
water from
ground
photomicrographs showing cells from a plant.
Stem Cells and Development
unspecialized
Stem cells are the cells from which
differentiated cells develop.

Totipotent: can develop into any type of cell in the body (including
the cells that make up the extraembryonic membranes and
placenta) The term literally means “can do everything.” These cells can
become any cell or tissue type anywhere in the body. The only cells in
the developing organism that are truly totipotent are the original one-
celled zygote and those cells produced by the first few cell divisions.

Pluripotent: cells that are capable of developing into most, but


not all, of the body’s cell types
STEM CELLS: Cells that have not differentiated into their tissue type
Embryonic Stem Cells The human embryo
develops into a hollow ball
of cells known as a
blastocyst. The actual body
of the embryo develops
from the inner cell mass.
These cells in the inner cell
mass are embryonic stem
embryonic cells. They can differentiate
stem cells into virtually any cell type.
scientists are able to
culture embryonic stem
cells by removing the inner
cell mass from blastocysts
and growing the cells in a
lab.

Are the cells sitting in the


Petri dish totipotent or
pluripotent?
Answer: pluripotent
Adult Stem Cells
• Multipotent: limited potential
to develop into many different
types of differentiated cells
mainly those found in tissues
where the stem cells are
produced. These adult stem
cells produce cells for tissues
such as blood and skin that
have a limited life span and
must be constantly replaced.
• Mainly found in bone marrow, Bone marrow transplants are
effectively stem cell transplants.
hair follicles These cells differentiate into
• Also some in brain, heart, and white blood cells, red blood
cells, and platelets.
skeletal muscle
Regenerative Medicine

Undifferentiated cells are used to repair or replace


damaged cells and tissues.
Ethical Issues

•Human adult stem cell research is


rarely controversial because of willing
donors.

•Human embryonic stem cell


research is controversial because
arguments for and against involve
ethical issues of life and death.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

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