B2.3 Stem Cells

• What are stem cells?

  Cells that can divide and differentiate
• What are the two key features of stem cells?

  They divide by mitosis and differentiate
• How do stem cells divide?

  By mitosis to form more cells
• What can stem cells differentiate into?

  Specialized cells like nerve or skin cells
• Why are embryonic stem cells unique compared to adult stem cells?

  They can differentiate into any cell type
• What is formed when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell?

  A zygote
• What are embryonic stem cells capable of?

  They can differentiate into any type of cell
• What happens to embryonic stem cells over time?

  They divide and differentiate into various cells
• What type of stem cells are found in adult humans?

  Adult stem cells
• Where are adult stem cells found in the body?

  In bone marrow and other tissues
• What is the function of adult stem cells?

  To replace damaged cells in the body
• What is the jelly-like substance in bones called?

  Bone marrow
• What types of cells can adult stem cells differentiate into?

  Different types of blood cells
• Where are plant stem cells found?

  In meristem tissue
• What is the role of plant stem cells?

  To differentiate into all necessary plant cells
• How do plant stem cells differ from embryonic stem cells?

  Plant stem cells persist throughout the plant's life
• What types of cells do plant stem cells differentiate into?

  Palisade, phloem, and xylem cells
• What is the significance of stem cells in human life?

  They are crucial for growth and repair
• What are the main types of stem cells discussed?

  • Embryonic stem cells
  • Adult stem cells
  • Plant stem cells
• What are the differences between embryonic and adult stem cells?

  • Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any cell type
  • Adult stem cells can only differentiate into a limited range of cells
  • Embryonic stem cells are present in early development
  • Adult stem cells are found in specific tissues
• What processes do stem cells undergo during development?

  1. Division by mitosis
  2. Differentiation into specialized cells
  3. Replacement of damaged cells
• What are the functions of plant stem cells?

  • Differentiate into various plant tissues
  • Support continuous growth
  • Contribute to photosynthesis and nutrient transport
• Name the two types of stem cells found in animals.

  • Adult stem cells
  • Embryonic stem cells
• Two key features of stem cells:

  • They can divide by mitosis to form more cells 
  • They can differentiate into specialised cells
• 1. When a sperm cell fertilises an egg cell they form a single cell called a zygote.
  2. This cell then divides by mitosis to form a ball of cells which we call an embryo.
  3. The cells in this embryo are known as embryonic stem cells and can differentiate into any type of cell. 
• Can adult stem cells divide by mitosis?

  Yes
• Can adult stem cells differentiate into all types of specialised cell?

  • No
  • Adult stem cells can only differentiate into different types of blood cells, e.g. white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.
• Where in the body are adult stem cells found?

  Bone marrow
• What do we call the plant tissues that are continually growing and that contain stem cells?

  Meristems
• Which two parts of the plant contain meristem tissue?

  • Tips of the shoots
  • Tips of the roots
• Do plant stem cells persist for the plant's entire life?

  Yes.