Human embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cell lines derived from the inner cell mass of human blastocyst-stage embryos. They have virtually an unlimited capacity to self-renew in the lab and can form into just about every cell type. Stem cells are very useful tools to study how developmentally regulated genes are expressed. They can be used to study the effects of mutations on developmental events and the processes of cell commitment, differentiation, and adult cell reprogramming. We can also compare human stem cell differentiation with other animal models. Molecular tools are allowing researchers to generate massive amounts of data regarding developmentally regulated genes. While this is great, one downfall is that it can be difficult and time consuming to access specific data sets. You may have noticed how many research articles appear when you do a literature search, and that it can sometimes be difficult to find exactly what you are looking for. Many databases have been created to aid researchers in finding pertinent research to help them with scientific investigations. One such database developed to aid developmental biologists is Life Maps. In this activity we will:
Participation in this activity will help you master module outcomes:
There are three components to this activity.
You are not required to turn in your answers to the mammalian development questions, but you are encouraged to be comfortable with the information because you may see this material on an upcoming quiz.
After completion of this assignment you will turn in a one (1) page summary of your current understanding of a human organ or tissue development.
Let’s get started by visiting .
After you read the material on mammalian development, there are ten (10) questions for you to answer.
Now visit the . Chose an organ or tissue and explore in the tree. Summarize the research that has been conducted and what the therapeutic applications of the research are. Your summary should include: