1. Cellular Differentiation Stem Cells, Research, & Biotechnology

2. Introduction The human body is made up of hundreds of different cell types. Examples? How do they become different from one another?

3. Differentiation The process by which cells become specialized to perform their specific functions Questions to be explored: how and when do cells differentiate?

4. What are stem cells? Stem cells are undifferentiated cells from which specialized cells develop

5. 1. Fertilized egg (zygote) A. Cells in this stage are totipotent 2. Blastula: hollow sphere of cells A. Cells in this stage are pluripotent 3. Gastrula  hollow sphere A. It is at this stage the germ layers develop: mesoderm, ectoderm, and endoderm B. Cells are multipotent Early development

7. Germ layers The germ layers will go on to differentiate into all the different cells of your body The germ layers will go on to differentiate into all the different cells of your body

8. Totipotent Stem Cells Can differentiate into ANY type of cell Can differentiate into ANY type of cell

9. Pluripotent Stem Cells Differentiate from totipotent stem cells Differentiate from totipotent stem cells Can develop into most, but not all, types of cells Can develop into most, but not all, types of cells It can differentiate into any of the germ layers It can differentiate into any of the germ layers

10. Multipotent stem cells Further differentiated from pluripotent stem cells Further differentiated from pluripotent stem cells That are committed to give rise to cells that have a particular function; That are committed to give rise to cells that have a particular function; For example, multipotent blood stem cells give rise to the red cells, white cells and platelets in the blood. For example, multipotent blood stem cells give rise to the red cells, white cells and platelets in the blood.

13. Stem Cell Research Given their unique regenerative abilities, stem cells offer new potentials for treating diseases such as diabetes, and heart disease. Cell-based therapies—Treatment in which stem cells are induced to differentiate into the specific cell type required to repair damaged or destroyed cells or tissues ; Screen drugs: Cancer cell lines, for example, are used to screen potential anti-tumor drugs.

14. Stem Cell Research To generate cultures of specific types of differentiated cells—heart muscle cells, blood cells, or nerve cells, for example— scientists try to control the differentiation of embryonic stem cells.

15. Questions 1. Summarize the process of cellular differentiation. 2. Explain how during the stages of early development, the types of cells that the cells can differentiate into gets lower. 3. Explain how cellular differentiation and organism growth are related. 4. Contrast organism growth and cell differentiation.