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2:1 Cells
Part Two

Introducing Cells

Unicellular organisms carry out all life processes Cells are small due to needing a large surface area:volume ratio Cells often develop specialisations to help them do their job

Erythrocytes Sperm Cells Root Hair Cells

Cells -> Tissues -> Organs -> Organ Systems -> Organisms Multicellular organisms show EMERGENT PROPERTIES

Cells DIFFERENTIATE to perform different functions by expressing certain genes and not others
Some cells show TOTIPOTENCY

Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated or unspecialised cells

They are self-sustaining Embryos are made of stem cells that are totipotent

Once cells differentiate, they can divide six more times (Hayflick limit) but will always produce the same type of cell
Adults retain some stem cells through life

Uses of Stem Cells

Stem cells differentiate due to chemical signals received. Theoretically, stem cells can be given the right signal to turn into any cell type required and be used to treat degenerative conditions or to create new organs/tissues Research began in 1998 when stem cells were isolated Two main sources of stem cells for research and treatment:

Embryonic Stem cells Adult Stem Cells

Both types have advantages and disadvantages ESC many ethical/moral issues Stem cells have some biological risk Few countries allow the generation of embryos for research purposes

ESC v ASC
ESC Easier to obtain Unlimited growth potential ASC No embryo needs to be destroyed Fully compatible with adult tissue as derived from the patient itself. ESC are genetically different from the patient Less chance of malignant tumours developing

Less chance of genetic damage

Greater capability to differentiate into different cells types

Therapeutic Use of Stem Cells

Juvenile - onset diabetes can be treated by transplanting donor pancreatic tissue after the death of the donor Stem cells have been transplanted into lab animals with damaged spinal cords. Some mobility returned BUT began to feel pain Bone marrow transplants requiring the production of HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELLS (HSC). Only 100 HSC are needed to completely regenerate the blood population in mice. Already used in:

Acute leukemia SCID Lymphoma Cells are removed from the patients bone marrow Patient receives high dose chemotherapy to kill cancerous and bone marrow cells HSC from the bone marrow are transplanted back into the patient and they then differentiate into all blood cells needed.

Treatment is by: