10 questions in 10 minutes

1. Which of the following accurately describes the properties of stem cells?
  • A. Stem cells cannot divide endlessly or differentiate.
  • B. Stem cells can divide endlessly but cannot differentiate.
  • C. Stem cells can differentiate but cannot divide endlessly.
  • D. Stem cells can divide endlessly and differentiate into different types of cells.
2. Select the INCORRECT statement in the following:
  • A. Stem cells can divide repeatedly to produce large numbers of new cells.
  • B. Stem cells are not fully differentiated and can differentiate to produce different types of cells.
  • C. Stem cells are only found in plant stems
  • D. Stem cells are found in embryonic tissue
3. What is the difference between the potency of cells in animal embryos and adult tissue stem cells?
  • A. Animal blastocyst cells are multipotent, whereas stem cells in adult tissue are totipotent.
  • B. Animal blastocyst cells are pluripotent, whereas stem cells in adult tissue are multipotent.
  • C. Cells in very early-stage animal embryos are totipotent, whereas stem cells in adult tissue are pluripotent.
  • D. All stem cells are pluripotent.
4. Which of the following describes the impact of morphogens on gene expression within embryonic development of organisms such as Drosophila fruit flies?
  • A. Gradients have no effect on gene expression in early-stage embryos.
  • B. Gradients can cause all genes to be expressed uniformly within an early-stage embryo.
  • C. Gradients can cause different genes to be expressed at different levels along a gradient within an early-stage embryo.
  • D. Gradients can only affect gene expression in later stages of embryo development.

5. Stem cells may be obtained from the umbilical cord of a new born baby.  Why is this a good process for obtaining stem cells?

I. The cells can be easily obtained and stored
II. Fewer ethical concerns compared to using embryonic stem cells.
III. Fewer rejection problems as cells are compatible with the tissues of an adult that grows from the baby.
  • A. I only
  • B. I and II
  • C. II and III
  • D. I, II and III
6. How is bone marrow an example of a stem cell niche?
  • A. Bone marrow provides a microenvironment for all types of stem cells.
  • B. Bone marrow provides a microenvironment that supports the maintenance and differentiation of haematopoietic stem cells.
  • C. Bone marrow is the only organ that contains adult stem cells.
  • D. Bone marrow provides a physical barrier to protect stem cells from damage.

7. With regards to metabolic requirements and SA:V, which statement(s) are true?

I. Cell volume primarily determines the metabolic requirements in unicellular organisms.
II. Cell surface area primarily determines the rate of exchange in unicellular organisms.
III. As cells get bigger, their surface area and volume increase.
IV. As cells get bigger, their surface area and volume increase, the SA:V increases
  • A. I and III only
  • B. II and III only
  • C. I, II, and III only
  • D. III and IV only
8. What is the surface area to volume ratio of a cube with sides of 10µm?

A. 0.6:1
B. 6:1
C. 1:6
D. 10:1

9+10: The size of a mature, fully differentiated cell is one way in which it is adapted to its function. From the options listed choose the correct answer:

dividing cell
The longest structure would be a .
Large in volume and spherical in shape best describes a(n) .