In John Gurdon's nuclear-transfer experiments, he used nuclei from tadpole intestinal cells. Do you think he would have had more success or less success if he had taken cells from a blastula? From an adult frog? Please briefly justify your answers

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
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Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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**Question:**

In John Gurdon's nuclear-transfer experiments, he used nuclei from tadpole intestinal cells. Do you think he would have had more success or less success if he had taken cells from a blastula? From an adult frog? Please briefly justify your answers.

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**Answer Explanation:**

In this context, success can be measured by the ability of the transferred nucleus to support normal development. 

1. **Cells from a Blastula:**
   - *More Success*: Cells from a blastula are more likely to be pluripotent, meaning they have the capacity to differentiate into any cell type. This makes them more adaptable and capable of directing the development of an entire organism when their nuclei are transferred.

2. **Cells from an Adult Frog:**
   - *Less Success*: Cells from an adult frog are typically more specialized and differentiated. This specialization generally reduces their ability to revert to a pluripotent state and support full organismal development. Therefore, nuclei from adult cells are less flexible and would likely result in lower success rates when used in nuclear-transfer experiments.

The key point here is the differentiation state of the cells, with less differentiated, pluripotent cells (like those from the blastula) having higher potential for successful nuclear transplantation.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question:** In John Gurdon's nuclear-transfer experiments, he used nuclei from tadpole intestinal cells. Do you think he would have had more success or less success if he had taken cells from a blastula? From an adult frog? Please briefly justify your answers. --- **Answer Explanation:** In this context, success can be measured by the ability of the transferred nucleus to support normal development. 1. **Cells from a Blastula:** - *More Success*: Cells from a blastula are more likely to be pluripotent, meaning they have the capacity to differentiate into any cell type. This makes them more adaptable and capable of directing the development of an entire organism when their nuclei are transferred. 2. **Cells from an Adult Frog:** - *Less Success*: Cells from an adult frog are typically more specialized and differentiated. This specialization generally reduces their ability to revert to a pluripotent state and support full organismal development. Therefore, nuclei from adult cells are less flexible and would likely result in lower success rates when used in nuclear-transfer experiments. The key point here is the differentiation state of the cells, with less differentiated, pluripotent cells (like those from the blastula) having higher potential for successful nuclear transplantation.
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