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19.3: Cell Differentiation

  • Page ID
    74612
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    • 19.3.1: Stem Cells
      Stem cells are cells that divide by mitosis to form either two stem cells, thus increasing the size of the stem cell "pool", or one daughter that goes on to differentiate, and one daughter that retains its stem-cell properties. How the choice is made is still unknown. However, several genes have been found whose activity prevents a daughter cell from differentiating.
    • 19.3.2: Embryonic Stem Cells
      a research team led by James Thomson of the University of Wisconsin reported (in the 6 November 1998 issue of Science) that they were able to grow human embryonic stem (ES) cells in culture. At the time of implantation, the mammalian embryo is a blastocyst. It consists of the trophoblast — a hollow sphere of cells that will go on to implant in the uterus and develop into the placenta and umbilical cord. inner cell mass (ICM) that will develop into the baby as well as the extraembryonic amnion


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