Cells

• What is the main focus of stem cell research?

  Stem cell research has exciting possibilities but is controversial.
• What is differentiation in the context of stem cells?

  Differentiation is the process by which a cell changes to become specialized for its job.
• What are undifferentiated cells called?

  Undifferentiated cells are called stem cells.
• What can stem cells do in terms of cell types?

  Stem cells can differentiate into different types of cells depending on the instructions they receive.
• Where are stem cells found in humans?

  Stem cells are found in early human embryos.
• Why are embryonic stem cells exciting for medical researchers?

  They have the potential to turn into any kind of cell.
• What is therapeutic cloning?

  Therapeutic cloning aims to grow stem cells to treat a patient with genetically identical cells.
• What is a risk associated with using stem cells in medicine?

  Stem cells grown in the lab may become contaminated with a virus.
• How are adult stem cells different from embryonic stem cells?

  Adult stem cells can only turn into certain types of cells, such as blood cells.
• What is the role of root hair cells in plants?

  Root hair cells absorb water and minerals from the soil.
• What do phloem and xylem cells do?

  Phloem and xylem cells transport substances such as food and water around plants.
• How do muscle cells facilitate their function?

  Muscle cells are long and contain lots of mitochondria to generate energy for contraction.
• How does the structure of nerve cells support their function?

  Nerve cells are long and have branched connections to carry electrical signals over distances.
• What is the significance of stem cells in curing diseases?

  Stem cells can replace faulty cells in patients, such as insulin-producing cells for diabetics.
• What is one argument against stem cell research?

  Some people believe human embryos shouldn't be used for experiments.
• What do campaigners for the rights of embryos advocate for?

  They want scientists to find and develop other sources of stem cells without using embryos.
• In which countries is stem cell research banned?

  Stem cell research is banned in some countries, but allowed in the UK under strict guidelines.
• How can stem cells be used in agriculture?

  Stem cells can produce clones of whole plants quickly and cheaply.
• What is the role of meristems in plants?

  Meristems are parts of the plant where growth occurs and contain stem cells.
• Why is it important to grow crops of identical plants?

  It allows farmers to have plants with desired features, such as disease resistance.
• What is the process of cell differentiation?

  Cell differentiation is when a cell changes to become specialized for its job, developing different subcellular structures.
• What is the function of sperm cells?

  The function of a sperm cell is to deliver male DNA to the female DNA.
• How do sperm cells facilitate their movement?

  Sperm cells have a long tail and a streamlined head to help them swim to the egg.
• What do nerve cells carry?

  Nerve cells carry electrical signals from one part of the body to another.
• What adaptations do nerve cells have for their function?

  Nerve cells are long and have branched connections to connect with other nerve cells.
• What are the uses of stem cells in medicine?

  • Replace faulty blood cells using adult stem cells.
  • Create insulin-producing cells for diabetes.
  • Generate nerve cells for spinal injury patients.
  • Therapeutic cloning to produce genetically identical stem cells.
• What are the arguments for and against stem cell research?

  For:

  • Potential to cure diseases.
  • Use of unwanted embryos from fertility clinics.

  
  

  Against:

  • Ethical concerns about using human embryos.
  • Need for alternative sources of stem cells.
• What are the characteristics of specialized cells?

  • Muscle cells: Long, lots of mitochondria for energy.
  • Root hair cells: Long "hairs" for increased surface area.
  • Phloem and xylem cells: Long, hollow for transport.
  • Sperm cells: Streamlined for swimming.
  • Nerve cells: Long with branched connections for signaling.