Stem Cells (Embryonic and Adult)

• What are stem cells?


  Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can divide and differentiate into specialized cells.
• Why are stem cells important?


  They can divide and differentiate into specialized cells necessary for growth and repair.
• What are the two key features of stem cells?


  • Ability to divide by mitosis to form more cells
  • Ability to differentiate into specialized cells
• What happens when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell?


  It forms a single cell called a zygote, which is the beginning of a new organism.
• What are the cells called that form after the zygote divides?


  Embryonic stem cells.
• What can embryonic stem cells differentiate into?


  They can differentiate into any type of cell, such as nerve, skin, or blood cells.
• How do adult stem cells differ from embryonic stem cells?


  Adult stem cells can only differentiate into a narrow range of cells, unlike embryonic stem cells.
• Where are adult stem cells found in the body?


  In the bone marrow.
• What types of cells can adult stem cells differentiate into?


  They can differentiate into different types of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.
• What is the role of adult stem cells in the body?


  They can replace damaged cells to maintain health but do not form new tissues.
• Where are plant stem cells found?

  In meristem tissue in plants.
• What is the function of plant stem cells?


  They differentiate into all the cells and tissues that the plant needs as it grows.
• What types of cells can plant stem cells differentiate into?


  They can differentiate into palisade cells, phloem, xylem, and root hair cells.
• How long do plant stem cells persist?


  They persist for the entire life of the plant.
• What are the differences between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells?


  • Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any type of cell.
  • Adult stem cells can only differentiate into a narrow range of cells.
  • Embryonic stem cells are present in early development, while adult stem cells are found in specific tissues.
• What is the jelly-like substance in the middle of large bones that contains adult stem cells?

  Bone marrow.
• What is the significance of stem cells in human development?


  They are crucial for growth, repair, and the formation of specialized cells.
• How do stem cells contribute to the healing process in the body?


  They replace damaged cells and maintain tissue health.
• What is the role of meristem tissue in plants?


  It contains plant stem cells that allow for continuous growth and differentiation.