Lecture Notes from the BIOL2045 Vertebrate Development stem cells. Covering: what are stem cells, potency, regulation, embryonic stem cells, ICM cells, cerebral organoids, hES cells
What is a stem cell
The stem cell concept – a stem cell can make more stem cells while also producing
cells committed to undergoing differentiation
A cell is classified as a stem cell when it satisfies three criteria:
1. Undifferentiated or unspecified
2. Have the ability to self-renew
3. Mature and differentiate
Stem cell division modes
Asymmetric self-renewing division – a stem cell will divide and produce two different
prodigy – one stem cell and committed progenitor – the progenitor will give rise to a
differentiated cell
Symmetric differentiating division – a stem cell gives rise to two committed
progenitors – often seen in developing nervous system
Symmetric self-renewing division – a stem cell gives rise to two daughter stem cells –
can maintain or increase the pool of stem cells
These processes allow for a balance to be maintained – a shift towards one of these
divisions can lead to disorders such as cancer
Potency defines a stem cell
A stem cell has the power, or potency to produce many different types of
differentiated cells
1. Totipotency – the single cell zygote and the 4-8 cells embryo generates the
embryo and the extraembryonic tissue – not restrictive potency
2. Pluripotency – inner cell mass (ICM)/embryonic stem cells generate the embryo
proper – blastocyst stage – two lineages ICM and trophectoderm
3. Multipotency – adult or somatic (resident) stem cells, fuel organogenesis in the
embryo and regeneration in the adult tissue – tissue specific stem cells – driving
tissue homeostasis and regeneration
Potency review – progressive differentiation of neurons
Stem cell regulation
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller olivereames. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $3.98. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
