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Planarian Regeneration and Stem Cells

Topic
  • Cell Biology
  • Differentiation
  • Stem Cells
Resource Type
  • Videos
  • Scientists at Work
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Duration
00:11:47
Favorited By
4 Users
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Description

This video discusses the remarkable regenerative capabilities of the planarian, and how biologist Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado uses them to study the biology of stem cells.

Planarians are simple multicellular animals that can regenerate entire parts of their bodies. This video discusses the anatomy of planarians and what makes them so exceptional at regeneration: adult stem cells called neoblasts. When a planarian is cut, its neoblasts multiply to make more stem cells. These stem cells then differentiate into the cells needed to replace the missing body parts.

Sánchez Alvarado and his colleagues are using a technique called RNA interference to identify the genes involved in planarian regeneration, and to turn off specific genes to determine stem cell function. The hope is that this research can inform the understanding of similar types of cells in other organisms, including humans.

Details
Key Terms

gene, neoblast, RNA interference (RNAi), scientific methodology, scientific process

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level

This resource complies with accessibility standards in accordance with the final rule for Section 508 of the National Rehabilitation Act.
Version History
Date Published 02.07.06
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS1.A, HS-LS1.B

AP Biology (2019)

IST-1, IST-2, IST-3

IB Biology (2016)

1.1, 3.1

Vision and Change (2009)

CC2, CC4

Materials
Large (MOV) 114 MB
Large (WMV) 114 MB
Small (MOV) 38 MB
Small (WMV) 38 MB

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