Unlocking the Potential: Stem Cells and Differentiation

Biology Grades High School 6:44 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the fascinating world of stem cells, their differentiation into specialized cells, and the role of gene expression in this process.

Video Resource

Stem cells and differentiation | From cells to organisms | High school biology | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 6:44
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Stem cells and their unique properties (self-renewal and differentiation)
  • Potency of stem cells (totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent)
  • Differential gene expression as the mechanism behind cell specialization

Learning Objectives

  • Define stem cells and explain the concepts of self-renewal and differentiation.
  • Compare and contrast totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent stem cells.
  • Explain how differential gene expression leads to cell specialization, even when cells have the same DNA.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they know about stem cells. Briefly introduce the topic of cell differentiation and why it is important for the development of multicellular organisms. Show the Khan Academy video.
  • Video Analysis (15 mins)
    After watching the video, facilitate a discussion about the key concepts presented. Focus on the definitions of stem cells, potency, and the different types of stem cells (totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent). Clarify any misconceptions students may have.
  • Differentiation and Gene Expression (15 mins)
    Elaborate on the explanation of differential gene expression. Use analogies to explain how different cells can express different genes even though they have the same DNA. For instance, comparing it to different recipes (genes) using the same set of ingredients (DNA).
  • Activity: Stem Cell Potency Chart (10 mins)
    Have students create a chart comparing totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent stem cells, including examples of where each type is found and what cell types they can differentiate into.
  • Wrap-up and Assessment (5 mins)
    Summarize the key takeaways from the lesson. Administer the multiple-choice quiz to assess student understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Stem Cell Potency Sort
    Provide students with descriptions of different stem cells and have them sort the descriptions into categories of totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is the concept of stem cells important for understanding development and disease?
  • What are the ethical considerations surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells?
  • How might stem cell research impact the treatment of diseases in the future?

Skills Developed

  • Critical thinking
  • Scientific explanation
  • Data analysis

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following best describes a stem cell?

Correct Answer: A cell that can differentiate into specialized cells and self-renew

Question 2:

What does 'potency' refer to in the context of stem cells?

Correct Answer: The ability of a stem cell to differentiate into specialized cells

Question 3:

Which type of stem cell has the potential to differentiate into any cell type in the body, including placental tissue?

Correct Answer: Totipotent

Question 4:

Embryonic stem cells are considered:

Correct Answer: Pluripotent

Question 5:

Adult stem cells are typically:

Correct Answer: Multipotent

Question 6:

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of stem cells?

Correct Answer: Specialization from the beginning

Question 7:

What cellular process explains how cells with the same DNA become different cell types?

Correct Answer: Differential gene expression

Question 8:

Which of the following stem cell types is MOST limited in its differentiation potential?

Correct Answer: Multipotent

Question 9:

Intestinal stem cells are an example of:

Correct Answer: Multipotent stem cells

Question 10:

The first cell formed after fertilization is:

Correct Answer: A totipotent stem cell

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

___________ cells are unspecialized cells that can differentiate into specialized cells.

Correct Answer: Stem

Question 2:

The ability of a stem cell to differentiate into specialized cells is called ___________.

Correct Answer: potency

Question 3:

A stem cell that can differentiate into any cell type, including placental tissue, is considered __________.

Correct Answer: totipotent

Question 4:

___________ stem cells can differentiate into all cell types of the body but not placental tissue.

Correct Answer: Pluripotent

Question 5:

The process where stem cells divide to create more stem cells is called ___________.

Correct Answer: self-renewal

Question 6:

___________ stem cells can only differentiate into a limited range of cell types within a specific tissue.

Correct Answer: Multipotent

Question 7:

The process by which cells become specialized is called __________.

Correct Answer: differentiation

Question 8:

Different cell types express different ___________, despite having the same DNA.

Correct Answer: genes

Question 9:

___________ stem cells can be found in fully developed tissues of the body.

Correct Answer: Adult

Question 10:

The original fertilized egg is a ___________ cell.

Correct Answer: totipotent

Educational Standards

B.LS1.1:Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells. B.LS1.4:Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms.

Teaching Materials

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