Embryonic cells
Name one of the primary debates on embryonic stem cells.
When does life become life, Research vs. morals of human life
How are iPSCs different from embryonic stem cells?
iPSCs use genetically programmed adult somatic cells, while embryonic stem cells are cells from the early embryo (blastocyst)
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell
Name and describe one of the benefits of using iPSCs over embryonic stem cells.
Easy access, no ethical issues, less risk of immune rejection when doing transplants
Why do embryonic stem cells pose an ethical concern?
Extracting them from the blastocyst destroys it :(
What are the two types of cells that can be reprogrammed into iPSCs?
Skin and blood cells
What kind of cell is able to differentiate into any germ line cells?
Pluripotent cells
Name one of the diseases iPSCs can be used to treat.
Alzheimer’s, Rett Syndrome, Schizophrenia, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, QT syndrome
What are the two main uses of embryonic stem cells?
General medical research + regenerative medicine
What is Step 3 in the process of making iPSCs?
Proteins are produced and regulate the cell's DNA
What is the type of stem cell that can differentiate into any type of cell in the body?
Totipotent stem cells
What is the end goal of the recent research on elephant iPSC cells?
Creating something like a woolly-mammoth-elephant-hybrid
What is the term for the group of cells (in the stages of the development of the embryo) that comes before the formation of the blastocyst?
A morula
What are the two main biological "ingredients" used to make mouse iPSC cells in the experiment?
Mouse embryonic fibroblasts and retroviruses
What is the potency of a bone marrow cell?
Multipotent (specific germ line)
What is the name of the company seeking to use iPSCs to bring back extinct animals?
Colossal Biosciences
How many hours does it take for a fertilized egg to become a blastocyst?
72 hours
In Step 2 of the process of making iPSCs, how many DNA genes are introduced through what organism?
4 genes through viruses
Name the three germ layers.
Endoderm, mesoderm, ectoderm
What is the study of toxins/poisons/drugs, how they work, and how they affect the body?
Toxicology