Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

20. Development

Developmental Biology

General Biology

20. Development

Developmental Biology

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1:14 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

Which of the following is a valid difference between embryonic stem cells and the stem cells found in adult tissues?
a. In laboratory culture, only adult stem cells are immortal.
b. In nature, only embryonic stem cells give rise to all the different types of cells in the organism.
c. Only adult stem cells can differentiate in culture.
d. Embryonic stem cells are generally more difficult to grow in culture than adult stem cells.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the key difference between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they can differentiate into almost any cell type in the organism, while adult stem cells are multipotent, meaning they are more limited in the types of cells they can become.

Analyze the options provided in the question. Option (a) states that only adult stem cells are immortal in laboratory culture. This is incorrect because embryonic stem cells are known for their ability to divide indefinitely under the right conditions.

Evaluate option (b). It states that only embryonic stem cells give rise to all the different types of cells in the organism in nature. This is correct because embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and can differentiate into all cell types, unlike adult stem cells.

Consider option (c). It claims that only adult stem cells can differentiate in culture. This is incorrect because both embryonic and adult stem cells can differentiate in culture under appropriate conditions.

Review option (d). It states that embryonic stem cells are more difficult to grow in culture than adult stem cells. This is incorrect because embryonic stem cells are generally easier to grow and maintain in culture compared to adult stem cells, which are more challenging to isolate and grow.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells derived from the early stages of an embryo. They have the unique ability to differentiate into any cell type in the body, which makes them invaluable for developmental biology and regenerative medicine. Their capacity for unlimited self-renewal in culture allows researchers to study various aspects of cell differentiation and development.

Adult Stem Cells

Adult stem cells, also known as somatic or tissue-specific stem cells, are multipotent cells found in various tissues of the body. Unlike embryonic stem cells, they are limited in their differentiation potential, typically giving rise to cell types specific to the tissue they reside in. They play a crucial role in tissue maintenance and repair, but their ability to proliferate and differentiate is more restricted compared to embryonic stem cells.

Cell Culture Techniques

Cell culture techniques involve growing cells in a controlled environment outside their natural habitat, allowing for the study of cellular behavior and properties. The growth characteristics of stem cells can vary significantly between embryonic and adult types, influencing their use in research and therapy. Understanding these techniques is essential for manipulating stem cells for potential medical applications, including tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

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In adult animals, ___________ are a source of undifferentiated cells that can divide to produce cells that can specialize.

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What does it mean to say that a characteristic is heritable?

a. The characteristic evolves.

b. The characteristic can be passed on to offspring.

c. The characteristic is advantageous to the organism.

d. The characteristic does not vary in the population.

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Cell differentiation always involves

a. Transcription of the myoD gene.

b. The movement of cells.

c. The production of tissue-specific proteins.

d. The selective loss of certain genes from the genome.

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Textbook Question

A friend is interested in isolating genes that are expressed solely in liver cells but only has access to skin cells. She asks you for advice on whether to start her studies. What will you say?

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A friend is interested in isolating genes that are expressed solely in liver cells but only has access to skin cells. She asks you for advice on whether to start her studies. What will you say?

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Textbook Question

What did Linnaeus' system of naming organisms ensure?

a. Two different organisms never end up with the same genus and species name.

b. Two different organisms have the same genus and species name if they are closely related.

c. The genus name is different for closely related species.

d. The species name is the same for each organism in a genus.

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Textbook Question

Scientists have recently developed a process by which a skin cell from a human can be triggered to develop into a human heart muscle cell. This is possible because ________.

a. Most cells in the human body contain the genetic instructions for making all types of human cells.

b. A skin cell is produced when all genes in the cell are expressed; turning off some genes in the cell results in a heart cell.

c. Scientists can add new genes to old cells to make them take different forms.

d. A skin cell expresses only recessive alleles, so it can be triggered to produce dominant heart cell alleles.

e. It is easy to mutate the genes in skin cells to produce the alleles required for other cell types.

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