A-Level Biology Specification

AQA 7402

Section 8.2.1: Most of a cell’s DNA is not translated

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#8.2.1.1

Totipotent cells can divide and produce any type of body cell.

#8.2.1.2

During development, totipotent cells translate only part of their DNA, resulting in cell specialisation.

#8.2.1.3

Totipotent cells occur only for a limited time in early mammalian embryos.

#8.2.1.4

Pluripotent cells are found in embryos; multipotent and unipotent cells are found in mature mammals and can divide to form a limited number of different cell types.

- Pluripotent stem cells can divide in unlimited numbers and can be used in treating human disorders.
- Unipotent cells, exemplified by the formation of cardiomyocytes.
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) can be produced from adult somatic cells using appropriate protein transcription factors.

#8.2.1.5

Students should be able to evaluate the use of stem cells in treating human disorders.