Answer: if you have these questions here Use your text-markings to help you identify specific evidence from the article to answer each of the following questions in complete sentences.
1. Explain how cells specialize to form specific tissue and organs.
2. Explain what is already being accomplished in the areas of tissue and organ bioengineering and what still remains to be accomplished.
3. Provide an example using one organ for each of the four levels of complexity. Why is it difficult to make level four organs in a lab?
For all answers, you must include at least one text reference from the article. Include the author's name and quotes around your text reference.
Example: "A good way to think about it is that there are four levels of complexity," says Anthony Atala.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. Cells specialize to form specific tissues and organs through a process called differentiation. According to the article by Anthony Atala, "Cells specialize during development to form different types of tissues and organs" (Atala, paragraph 2). During development, cells undergo changes in gene expression, allowing them to acquire specific functions and characteristics. For example, stem cells can differentiate into various cell types, such as muscle cells, nerve cells, or blood cells, depending on the signals they receive from their environment. This specialization allows cells to work together and contribute to the formation of complex structures like tissues and organs.
2. Tissue and organ bioengineering has made significant progress, but there are still challenges to overcome. The article mentions that researchers have successfully created simple tissues in the laboratory, such as skin and bladder tissues (Atala, paragraph 6). These tissues have been used in clinical applications to repair or replace damaged organs. However, more complex organs, such as the heart or liver, present greater challenges. As Atala states, "Recreating the complexity of organs like the heart or liver is a much more difficult task" (Atala, paragraph 6). Achieving functional and viable organs at a larger scale with intricate structures and multiple cell types is still a major hurdle in the field of bioengineering.
3. The four levels of complexity in organs are level one (simplest), level two, level three, and level four (most complex). Each level represents an increasing degree of organization and sophistication. Here are examples of organs at each level:
- Level one: The skin is an example of a level one organ. It consists of a single layer of cells and performs a basic protective function (Atala, paragraph 7).
- Level two: The bladder is an example of a level two organ. It has a more complex structure with multiple layers of cells and performs a specialized function in storing and releasing urine (Atala, paragraph 7).
- Level three: The heart is an example of a level three organ. It has a highly organized structure with different types of cells working together to pump blood throughout the body (Atala, paragraph 7).
- Level four: The brain is an example of a level four organ. It is the most complex organ, consisting of various regions, specialized cells, and intricate neural networks. The brain is responsible for controlling bodily functions, thoughts, emotions, and memory (Atala, paragraph 7).
Making level four organs in the lab is difficult due to the complexity of their structure and function. As Atala mentions, "Recreating the complexity of organs like the heart or liver is a much more difficult task" (Atala, paragraph 6). The intricate organization, precise connectivity, and functionality of level four organs pose significant challenges in terms of reproducing their complexity and achieving proper functionality in a laboratory setting.