Stem cells

• What are stem cells?

  Undifferentiated cells that can divide indefinitely
• What does totipotent mean in stem cells?

  Can differentiate into any cell type, including extra-embryonic
• What does pluripotent mean in stem cells?

  Can differentiate into any embryonic cell type
• What are multipotent stem cells?

  Adult stem cells with limited differentiation potential
• What happens to adult stem cells as tissues develop?

  They become more specialized and lose division ability
• What can adult stem cells produce new cells for?

  Growth, cell replacement, and tissue repair
• What type of stem cells are found in bone marrow?

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

  Erythrocytes and neutrophils
• What is the function of erythrocytes?

  Transport oxygen around the body
• Why do erythrocytes not have a nucleus?

  To maintain red blood cell count and flexibility
• What structural changes occur in erythrocytes during development?

  Bi-concave shape and increased hemoglobin production
• What is the role of neutrophils?

  Destroy pathogens by phagocytosis
• What changes occur in neutrophils as they mature?

  Increased membrane flexibility and lobed nucleus structure
• What are meristems in plants?

  Tissues where growth takes place
• What is the function of xylem in plants?

  Transport water and minerals
• What changes occur when cambium differentiates into xylem cells?

  Loss of cytoplasm, end walls, and lignin deposition
• What is the function of phloem in plants?

  Transport organic compounds
• What changes occur in phloem cells during differentiation?

  Reduction in cytoplasm volume and loss of organelles
• What are potential medical uses of stem cells?

  • Repair damaged tissue
  • Treat neurological conditions
  • Research developmental biology
• What ethical concerns surround the use of embryonic stem cells?

  Potential to develop into an adult human
• What is a risk associated with stem cells dividing indefinitely?

  It could lead to cancer
• What causes tissue damage that stem cells could help repair?

  Accidental damage, degenerative disease, autoimmune condition
• How can stem cells be used to treat burn patients?

  By differentiating into skin cells
• How can stem cells help in treating type 1 diabetes?

  By differentiating into pancreas cells
• What can embryonic stem cells differentiate into for research purposes?

  Embryos to study early development stages
• How can stem cells be used to treat Alzheimer's disease?

  By replacing damaged brain cells
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of using stem cells in medicine?

  Strengths:

  • Potential for tissue repair
  • Treat various conditions

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Ethical concerns
  • Risk of cancer
  • Immune response issues