Cell differentiation and stem cells
What is cell differentiation?
It is when a basic cell develops and becomes a cell that is more specialized.It occurs many,many times in the development of multicellular organisms and also when they're adults.
How does a single cell become all different types of cells in a human?
Differentiation works by changing a cell's shape,size,metabolic activity,membrane potential,and responsiveness to signals.These changes are all because of highly-controlled modifications to gene expression and almost never involves a change in DNA sequence.
Stem Cells
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are the cells that have the capability to become any type of cell in the body.
What are the different types of stem cells?
There are two main types of stem cells:Adult and embryonic.Adult stem cells serve to form bone marrow,different types of blood cells,etc.Embryonic stem cells form organs,body systems,etc at early human development stages.More specific types include tissue specific stem cells,hematopoietic stem cells,skin stem cells,and epithelial stem cells.Tissue specific stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells fall under the category of adult stem cells.Skin stem cells constantly replace old skin cells with new ones.Epithelial stem cells constantly replace gut lining.
How and why do they become different cells
Stem cells become different types of cells through cell differentiation.They do this because they replace the old cells that get worn out in adults and in embryos they need to make the first cells of and organ,tissue,etc before there can be more of them.
What are some important research applications of stem cells?
Stem cells are used to study human development,diseases,and help find new medical treatments and medicine.They also have the ability to replace damaged cells and help treat diseases.
What are the moral questions regarding the use of some types of stem cells?
Is retracting embryonic stem cells immoral?
Is killing embryos worth the scientific research?
What are the benefits to humans in terms of treatments or cures of various genetic disorders?
We may be able to find cures for previously incurable diseases and may be able to help people early on in their lives faster.