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Page Facing Up

Theme B - Form & Function

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Direct Hit

Theme A - Unity & diversity

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Pill

Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence

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Keycap Digit One

Theme D - Continuity & Change

🔍 Focus: Differences among totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent stem cells

<ul>
	<li>Stem cells have the potential to become different types of cells in the body.</li>
	<li>Think of them as the &#39;jack of all trades&#39; in the cell world. Like an actor who can play any role in any movie!</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Found in: Early-stage embryos</li>
	<li>Superpower: Can differentiate into ANY cell type.</li>
	<li>Cool Real-world Example: They could potentially be used to grow whole replacement organs, like a new heart or kidney. Imagine no longer needing organ donors!</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>As embryos develop, stem cells choose specific career paths. They move from being totipotent to pluripotent.</li>
	<li>Superpower: Can differentiate into MANY cell types but not all.</li>
	<li>Fun Analogy: Think of them as artists who can paint landscapes, portraits, and abstract but not sculptures.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Found in: Adult bodies</li>
	<li>Superpower: Can differentiate into SEVERAL mature cell types but are more limited.</li>
	<li>Cool Real-world Example: Haematopoietic stem cells in our bone marrow. These guys can form different blood cells, but they can&#39;t suddenly decide to become a brain cell.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>The blastocyst is a tiny ball filled with fluid that forms after an egg gets fertilized. This is like the starting line of a marathon, where the prize is becoming a full-grown baby!</li>
	<li>The orange cells inside this ball are superstars! They form the fetus and are the ones used in stem cell therapies.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Skin Cells vs. Embryos:
	<ul>
		<li>Both can be grown outside the body (in vitro).</li>
		<li>Question: Are they ethically the same? Is losing a petri dish of embryos the same as losing a petri dish of skin cells?</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Egg Donation &amp; Hyperovulation:
	<ul>
		<li>Some women are medically induced to produce more eggs for embryo creation.</li>
		<li>Question: Should women be paid for donating eggs? What are the ethical concerns?</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Open-mindedness is not just nodding while others speak.</li>
	<li>It&#39;s about understanding that our viewpoint isn&#39;t the only one out there. Imagine seeing life through a kaleidoscope; every twist shows a different pattern. Each view is valid!</li>
	<li>When discussing controversial topics, like stem cells, it&#39;s crucial to consider multiple perspectives and wait before jumping to conclusions.</li>
</ul>

Write down any questions or thoughts that arise from these notes. Our next class could be the platform to get those answers or share your reflections!

&nbsp;

Happy Studying! ✨

Theme B - Form & Function

Understanding Stem Cells Totipotent vs. Pluripotent vs. Multipotent

Table of content

Stem cells - what's the big deal? 🌱

Totipotent stem cells 🌼

Pluripotent stem cells 🌸

Unlock the Full Content!

Theme B - Form & Function

Understanding Stem Cells Totipotent vs. Pluripotent vs. Multipotent

Table of content

Stem cells - what's the big deal? 🌱

Totipotent stem cells 🌼

Pluripotent stem cells 🌸

Unlock the Full Content!