Stem Cells

• What are stem cells?

  Cells that can divide to produce many types of cell
• What is the significance of unspecialised cells in an embryo?

  They divide to produce all the specialised cells in the body
• What happens to cells once they have differentiated?

  They cannot divide to produce other kinds of cell
• What are the three kinds of stem cells?

  • Embryonic stem cells
  • Adult stem cells
  • Meristematic stem cells (in plants)
• Where are embryonic stem cells taken from?

  Embryos at a very early stage of division
• What is the function of adult stem cells?

  They divide to replace damaged cells in differentiated tissue
• Where are adult stem cells typically found?

  In differentiated tissue, such as bone or skin
• What are meristems in plants?

  Regions in rapidly growing parts of the plant that can divide to produce any kind of plant cell
• What are some uses of embryonic stem cells?

  Replacing brain cells, treating blindness, and growing new tissues
• What condition can embryonic stem cells help treat by replacing brain cells?

  Parkinson’s disease
• What can embryonic stem cells do for the retina of the eye?

  Replace damaged cells to treat some kinds of blindness
• What is a potential use of adult stem cells from bone marrow?

  Treatment of leukaemia
• Why might adult stem cells be advantageous for growing new tissues?

  They can be genetically matched to the patient
• What are the disadvantages of research into embryonic stem cells?

  • Ethical concerns regarding embryo use
  • Potential for tumor formation
• Why do plants grow sideways when the top is cut off?

  Because the meristematic cells continue to divide in the remaining parts
• What should you do if an exam question asks for two advantages or disadvantages?

  Provide two different examples
• What are the key differences between embryonic and adult stem cells?

  • Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any cell type; adult stem cells have limited differentiation.
  • Embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos; adult stem cells are found in differentiated tissues.