Cell BiologyTopic Summary
Topic Summary: Stem Cells and Differentiation
Part of Stem Cells and Cell Differentiation — GCSE Biology
This topic summary covers Topic Summary: Stem Cells and Differentiation within Stem Cells and Cell Differentiation for GCSE Biology. Stem cell types, differentiation processes, therapeutic applications, embryonic vs adult stem cells, and ethical considerations It is section 16 of 16 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 16 of 16
Practice
20 questions
Recall
25 flashcards
Topic Summary: Stem Cells and Differentiation
Key Definitions
- Stem cell: Undifferentiated cell; can self-renew and differentiate
- Differentiation: Becoming specialised via switching genes on/off
- Embryonic SC: Pluripotent — can become any body cell
- Adult SC: Multipotent — limited to own tissue type
- Meristem: Plant stem cells at growing tips
How Differentiation Works
- All cells have identical DNA
- Different genes switched on/off
- Produces different proteins
- Gives different structure and function
- Generally irreversible in animals
Potency Hierarchy
- Totipotent: any cell (fertilised egg)
- Pluripotent: any body cell (embryonic SC)
- Multipotent: related cell types (adult SC)
- Unipotent: one cell type only
Medical Uses
- Bone marrow transplants (leukaemia)
- Skin grafts (burns)
- Potential: Parkinson's, diabetes, spinal cord
- Therapeutic cloning (Higher): genetically matched cells
Evaluate: Stem Cells in Medicine
- FOR: cure disease, replace tissue, no rejection (own cells)
- AGAINST: ethical (embryos destroyed), rejection risk, tumour risk
Memory Aid
- STEM = Specialisation Through Expression Modification
- Stem cells = blank clay; differentiation = firing in kiln
- DNA does NOT change — only gene expression changes