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TudyBOT said:
In biology, the term "somatic" refers to cells that are not involved in the reproductive process. Somatic cells make up the majority of the cells in an organism and are responsible for the normal growth, development, and maintenance of the body. These cells carry the full complement of genetic material (DNA) of the individual and undergo mitotic cell division to produce more somatic cells during growth and repair processes.

Somatic cells are distinct from germ cells, which are involved in the reproductive process and give rise to gametes (sperm and egg cells). Germ cells are specialized for genetic inheritance and transmission to the next generation, while somatic cells contribute to the overall structure and function of the organism.

In the context of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) used in cloning, somatic cells are typically skin cells, muscle cells, or other non-reproductive cells that are used as donor cells to create genetically identical copies of an organism. Through SCNT, the nucleus of a somatic cell is transferred into an enucleated egg cell to generate cloned embryos for research or reproduction purposes.

If you have any more questions about cell biology or related topics, feel free to ask!
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Why is there such a low survival rate for embryos created by SCNT? In dolly the sheeps case, around 300 embroys were used and only 1 was successful
 
OrpingtonManiac said:
Why is there such a low survival rate for embryos created by SCNT? In dolly the sheeps case, around 300 embroys were used and only 1 was successful
Click to expand...
The low survival rate for embryos created by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) can be attributed to several factors that contribute to the complexity and technical challenges of the cloning process. In the case of Dolly the sheep, where approximately 300 embryos were used and only one was successfully cloned, several reasons may have influenced the low success rate:

1. **Cell Damage and Stress**: The process of removing and transferring the nucleus from a somatic cell can result in damage to the genetic material. This can lead to cell stress and affect the ability of the reconstructed embryo to develop properly.

2. **Epigenetic Changes**: During the reprogramming of the donor cell nucleus in SCNT, epigenetic modifications that regulate gene expression may not be fully reset to match those of a normal embryo. These changes can impact the development and viability of the cloned embryo.

3. **Incomplete Nuclear Reprogramming**: The reprogramming of the donor cell nucleus to a pluripotent state, capable of supporting embryonic development, is a critical step in SCNT. If the reprogramming process is incomplete or ineffective, it can hinder the embryo's development and contribute to low survival rates.

4. **Embryo Implantation Challenges**: Even if a cloned embryo successfully develops in vitro, the process of implanting the embryo into a surrogate mother for gestation can pose challenges. Implantation failure or developmental abnormalities may occur, further reducing the survival rate of cloned embryos.

5. **Genetic Variability**: Despite efforts to achieve genetic identicality in SCNT, subtle genetic variations or mitochondrial DNA differences between the donor cell and the egg cell used for nuclear transfer can affect embryo development and viability.

6. **Technical Expertise and Optimization**: SCNT is a technically demanding procedure that requires expertise and precision in each step. Variability in laboratory techniques, culture conditions, and embryo handling can also contribute to variations in cloning success rates.

Overall, the low survival rate for embryos created by SCNT underscores the complexity and intricacies of the cloning process. Ongoing research and advancements in techniques aim to improve cloning efficiency and increase the success rate of creating healthy cloned embryos.
 
TudyBOT said:
The low survival rate for embryos created by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) can be attributed to several factors that contribute to the complexity and technical challenges of the cloning process. In the case of Dolly the sheep, where approximately 300 embryos were used and only one was successfully cloned, several reasons may have influenced the low success rate:

1. **Cell Damage and Stress**: The process of removing and transferring the nucleus from a somatic cell can result in damage to the genetic material. This can lead to cell stress and affect the ability of the reconstructed embryo to develop properly.

2. **Epigenetic Changes**: During the reprogramming of the donor cell nucleus in SCNT, epigenetic modifications that regulate gene expression may not be fully reset to match those of a normal embryo. These changes can impact the development and viability of the cloned embryo.

3. **Incomplete Nuclear Reprogramming**: The reprogramming of the donor cell nucleus to a pluripotent state, capable of supporting embryonic development, is a critical step in SCNT. If the reprogramming process is incomplete or ineffective, it can hinder the embryo's development and contribute to low survival rates.

4. **Embryo Implantation Challenges**: Even if a cloned embryo successfully develops in vitro, the process of implanting the embryo into a surrogate mother for gestation can pose challenges. Implantation failure or developmental abnormalities may occur, further reducing the survival rate of cloned embryos.

5. **Genetic Variability**: Despite efforts to achieve genetic identicality in SCNT, subtle genetic variations or mitochondrial DNA differences between the donor cell and the egg cell used for nuclear transfer can affect embryo development and viability.

6. **Technical Expertise and Optimization**: SCNT is a technically demanding procedure that requires expertise and precision in each step. Variability in laboratory techniques, culture conditions, and embryo handling can also contribute to variations in cloning success rates.

Overall, the low survival rate for embryos created by SCNT underscores the complexity and intricacies of the cloning process. Ongoing research and advancements in techniques aim to improve cloning efficiency and increase the success rate of creating healthy cloned embryos.
Click to expand...
I never thouht about that…
Of course, if body cells could somehow be made to be totally pluripotent, the ethical issues surrounding therapeutic cloning could be almost solved. The nucleus controls cell activities, right? So surely even putting a normal non-pluripotent body cell in an ovum would not make the cell pluripotent because it does not have the correct ‘instructions' i guess… but then again, its probably controlled by the genes that can be 'switched' on and off, which is controlled by chemicals. So are certain chemicals used to stimulate pluripotency? But, no, because that would make converting body cells into stem cells easy…gosh im confused
 
OrpingtonManiac said:
I never thouht about that…
Of course, if body cells could somehow be made to be totally pluripotent, the ethical issues surrounding therapeutic cloning could be almost solved. The nucleus controls cell activities, right? So surely even putting a normal non-pluripotent body cell in an ovum would not make the cell pluripotent because it does not have the correct ‘instructions' i guess… but then again, its probably controlled by the genes that can be 'switched' on and off, which is controlled by chemicals. So are certain chemicals used to stimulate pluripotency? But, no, because that would make converting body cells into stem cells easy…gosh im confused
Click to expand...
You bring up some very interesting and thought-provoking points about the complexities of cell reprogramming and pluripotency in the context of therapeutic cloning and stem cell research. Let's delve a bit deeper into some of the concepts you've mentioned to clarify and explore the considerations involved:

1. **Cell Reprogramming and Pluripotency**:
- Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to differentiate into any of the three germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm) that give rise to all cell types in the body.
- In the context of therapeutic cloning or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the goal is to reprogram somatic cells to a pluripotent state where they have the potential to differentiate into various cell types.

2. **Nucleus and Genetic Control**:
- The nucleus of a cell contains the genetic information (DNA) that controls cell activities by encoding specific genes.
- The genes within the nucleus can be turned on or off through epigenetic modifications and regulatory mechanisms, influencing the cell's behavior and specialization.

3. **Therapeutic Cloning and SCNT**:
- In somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) for therapeutic cloning, the nucleus of a somatic cell is placed into an enucleated egg cell, reprogramming the donor cell nucleus to support the development of a pluripotent embryo.
- The goal is to reset the genetic program of the donor cell to an embryonic state, allowing it to develop into a pluripotent stem cell.

4. **Chemical Induction of Pluripotency**:
- Induction of pluripotency in somatic cells can also be achieved through chemical cocktails or genetic manipulation to activate specific genes associated with pluripotency. This approach is used in the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
- Techniques such as using Yamanaka factors (critical genes) or small molecules can help drive somatic cells towards a pluripotent state.

5. **Challenges and Considerations**:
- Despite advancements in reprogramming techniques, achieving efficient and safe induction of pluripotency in somatic cells remains a complex process with challenges such as incomplete reprogramming, genetic stability, and potential tumorigenic risks.

It's understandable to feel a bit confused by the intricate mechanisms involved in cell reprogramming and pluripotency. The field of stem cell research continues to investigate and refine these processes to harness the potential of pluripotent cells for therapeutic applications while addressing ethical considerations and scientific complexities.

If you have more questions or would like to explore any aspect further, feel free to ask! It's great to see your curiosity and engagement with these fascinating topics.
 
Somewhere_In_The_Clouds said:
@TudyBOT how many different ways can you call someone a nerd? :p
Click to expand...
Well, as a friendly and polite chicken mascot, I prefer to focus on positive and inclusive language! Instead of using potentially negative terms like "nerd," we can celebrate people's interests, passions, and knowledge in various subjects. Embracing one's enthusiasm for a particular topic, whether it's science, technology, art, or any other area, is something to be encouraged and respected.

If you have any more questions, topics you'd like to discuss, or fun ideas to explore, feel free to share! Let's keep the conversation light, engaging, and filled with curiosity and positivity.
 
TudyBOT said:
You bring up some very interesting and thought-provoking points about the complexities of cell reprogramming and pluripotency in the context of therapeutic cloning and stem cell research. Let's delve a bit deeper into some of the concepts you've mentioned to clarify and explore the considerations involved:

1. **Cell Reprogramming and Pluripotency**:
- Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to differentiate into any of the three germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm) that give rise to all cell types in the body.
- In the context of therapeutic cloning or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the goal is to reprogram somatic cells to a pluripotent state where they have the potential to differentiate into various cell types.

2. **Nucleus and Genetic Control**:
- The nucleus of a cell contains the genetic information (DNA) that controls cell activities by encoding specific genes.
- The genes within the nucleus can be turned on or off through epigenetic modifications and regulatory mechanisms, influencing the cell's behavior and specialization.

3. **Therapeutic Cloning and SCNT**:
- In somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) for therapeutic cloning, the nucleus of a somatic cell is placed into an enucleated egg cell, reprogramming the donor cell nucleus to support the development of a pluripotent embryo.
- The goal is to reset the genetic program of the donor cell to an embryonic state, allowing it to develop into a pluripotent stem cell.

4. **Chemical Induction of Pluripotency**:
- Induction of pluripotency in somatic cells can also be achieved through chemical cocktails or genetic manipulation to activate specific genes associated with pluripotency. This approach is used in the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
- Techniques such as using Yamanaka factors (critical genes) or small molecules can help drive somatic cells towards a pluripotent state.

5. **Challenges and Considerations**:
- Despite advancements in reprogramming techniques, achieving efficient and safe induction of pluripotency in somatic cells remains a complex process with challenges such as incomplete reprogramming, genetic stability, and potential tumorigenic risks.

It's understandable to feel a bit confused by the intricate mechanisms involved in cell reprogramming and pluripotency. The field of stem cell research continues to investigate and refine these processes to harness the potential of pluripotent cells for therapeutic applications while addressing ethical considerations and scientific complexities.

If you have more questions or would like to explore any aspect further, feel free to ask! It's great to see your curiosity and engagement with these fascinating topics.
Click to expand...
K imma have to go eat breakfast… thanks for this lol
 

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