CELL MODIFICATION

SPECIALIZED CELL – a cell that that has a structure that suits its
function.

Gene expression is the process by which the heritable

information in a gene, the sequence of DNA base pairs, is made
into a functional gene product, such as protein or RNA. The
basic idea is that DNA is transcribed into mRNA, which is then
translated into proteins

Transcription factors are proteins involved in the process of

converting, or transcribing, DNA into RNA. Transcription
factors include a wide number of proteins, excluding RNA polymerase, that initiate and regulate the transcription of
genes.

2 CUES
1. INTERNAL – Asymmetrical segregation of cell determinants
2. EXTERNAL – INDUCTIVE SIGNALING / INDUCTION

DIFFUSION - diffusible signal released from one cell interacts with receptor
on target cell; can work at a distance

DIRECT CONTACT - interaction with the transmembrane proteins on

each cell results in production of a signal

GAP JUNCTION – movement of signal between connected cells

BLASTOCYST

• Forms 5 days after fertilization

• 50-150 cells (inner cell mass)
• EMBRYONIC STEM CELL (PLURIPOTENT) -

STEM CELL
• are cells that can differentiate into other types of cells, and can also divide in self-renewal to produce more of
the same type of stem cells.
2 TYPES:
1. EMBRYONIC STEM CELL - - can develop into each of the more than 200 cell types of the
adult body when given sufficient and necessary stimulation for a specific cell type
2. ADULT STEM CELL/SOMATIC – are undifferentiated cells, found throughout the body after
development, that multiply by cell division to replenish dying cells and regenerate damaged tissues

EXAMPLES:

1. Hematopoeitic Stem Cells (HSCs) - are stem cells that can differentiate into all blood cells. This process is called
haematopoiesis. Hematopoietic stem cells are found in the bone marrow and umbilical cord blood.
2. Mammary Stem Cells - Mammary stem cells provide the source of cells for growth of the mammary
gland during puberty and gestation and play an important role in carcinogenesis of the breast.
3. Intestinal stem cells - Intestinal stem cells divide continuously throughout life and use a complex genetic
program to produce the cells lining the surface of the small and large intestines. Intestinal stem cells reside near
the base of the stem cell niche, called the crypts of Lieberkuhn. Intestinal stem cells are probably the source of
most cancers of the small intestine and colon.
4. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are of stromal origin and may differentiate into a variety of tissues. MSCs have
been isolated from placenta, adipose tissue, lung, bone marrow and blood, Wharton's jelly from the umbilical
cord, and teeth (perivascular niche of dental pulp and periodontal ligament). MSCs are attractive for clinical
therapy due to their ability to differentiate, provide trophic support, and modulate innate immune response.
These cells have the ability to differentiate into various cell types such as
osteoblasts, chondroblasts, adipocytes, neuroectodermal cells, and hepatocytes. Bioactive mediators that favor
local cell growth are also secreted by MSCs. Anti-inflammatory effects on the local microenvironment, which
promote tissue healing, are also observed. The inflammatory response can be modulated by adipose-derived
regenerative cells (ADRC) including mesenchymal stem cells and regulatory T-lymphocytes. The mesenchymal
stem cells thus alter the outcome of the immune response by changing the cytokine secretion of dendritic and T-
cell subsets. This results in a shift from a pro-inflammatory environment to an anti-inflammatory or tolerant cell
environment.
5. Endothelial stem cells are one of the three types of multipotent stem cells found in the bone marrow. They are a
rare and controversial group with the ability to differentiate into endothelial cells, the cells that line blood
vessels.
 6. Olfactory adult stem cells found in the lining of the nose and are involved in the sense of smell. These type of
stem cells have been successfully harvested from the human olfactory mucosa cells, which are found in the
lining of the nose and are involved in the sense of smell. If they are given the right chemical environment these
cells have the same ability as embryonic stem cells to develop into many different cell types. Olfactory stem
cells hold the potential for therapeutic applications and, in contrast to neural stem cells, can be harvested with
ease without harm to the patient. This means they can be easily obtained from all individuals, including older
patients who might be most in need of stem cell therapies.
7. Neural crest cells are a highly migratory, multipotent stem cell population that contributes to a broad range of
tissues, including craniofacial bone and cartilage, peripheral neurons, glia, pigment, and other cells during
embryonic development

SPECIALIZED CELLS IN PLANTS

The XYLEM is a specialized cell used to transport the water up to the stem of the
plant and into the leaves. The end walls of the dead cells are broken to allow the
water to move through.
ROOT HAIR CELLS. One of the specialized cells of plants
is root hair cells. It allows plants to absorb more water.
They also enable a plant to absorb the minerals it needs
to be alive