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Cell Commitment and Specialization in Bodies: Understanding Stem Cells and Gene Regulation

Explore how cells become committed to specialized functions in the body through stem cell differentiation, determination, and gene regulation. Learn about the epigenetic modifications that control gene expression and ultimately influence cell fate. Discover the implications of using stem cells in medical therapy and the ethical considerations surrounding human embryos. Dive deep into the dynamic world of cell specialization and genetic memory.

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Cell Commitment and Specialization in Bodies: Understanding Stem Cells and Gene Regulation

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  1. LEQ: How do cells become committed to specialized functions in bodies? • Key terms – stem cell, cell determination, • Reading – 28.1, 5.5, 8.6 (eukaryotic gene regulation) • Lab due 5/3 • Test/note cards Friday 5/4

  2. Activator: • Complete epigenome survey

  3. Stem cells add new cells to a body when they divide • Stem cells have the ability to • divide and renew themselves via mitosis • Stochastic (top) • Asymmetric (bottom) • Daughter cells can specialize in biological tasks

  4. Specialized cells of the body develop from stem cells

  5. A stem cell divides and forms specialized populations of cells • Cell Determination is committing to become one cell type. • Factors affecting determination: • Cell position in the body • Signaling • Gene expression

  6. Determination gives rise to related cell populations in a body

  7. First, an egg is fertilized by a sperm cell in a petri dish. The egg divides, forming an inner cell mass. These cells are then removed and grown with nutrients. Scientists try to control how the cells specialize by adding or removing certain molecules. • The use of stem cells has biomedical applications

  8. Summary: • What are the characteristics of stem cells? • Explain how a stem cell’s fate is “determined,” what factors influence the future jobs these cells will perform? • Discuss the potential to use stem cells in medical therapy • Is using human embryos essential for medical therapy? Why or why not?

  9. The epigenome is a pattern of chemical modifications on chromatin that control gene expression Imprinting involves placing epigenetic marks on chromosomes Sex cell formation Goal: single gene expression for certain genes that direct development & metabolism Male vs. female Diploidy is essential Chromosomes are imprinted with epigenetic marks

  10. Changes to the epigenome alter how cells use their DNA • Histone modifications – chemically modify “tails” • DNA methylation – CpG islands: CG rich DNA

  11. Epigenetic marks impart a genetic memory on cells “determining” their fate • Genes can be switched on or off permanently

  12. Changes in epigenetics can result in disease • (A) previously unmethylated tumor suppressor gene such as p53 becomes methylated suppressing gene expression • (B) A protooncogene is demethylated, allowing TFs express the protein product.

  13. Development Cell differentiation Imprinting Chromosomes can be permanently tagged Reversible Age correlation Disease correlation Epigenetic marks can change over time

  14. Summary: • A cell has undergone determination to become an endocrine gland cell. If it is transplanted to a leg muscle, what do you think will happen to this cell?

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