Stem Cells

Cards (11)

  • What is a stem cell?
    A stem cell is an undifferentiated cell that can give rise to more cells of the same type and can differentiate into other types of cells.
  • Where are stem cells found in animals?
    Stem cells are found in embryos and in adult organisms, such as in bone marrow.
  • What is the process called when cells specialize?
    The process is called differentiation.
  • How do embryonic stem cells differ from adult stem cells?
    • Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any type of body cell.
    • Adult stem cells have limited differentiation capabilities, such as forming blood cells from bone marrow.
  • What is the role of stem cells in bone marrow transplants?
    They divide and differentiate to form new bone marrow and blood cells.
  • What are the two main problems associated with bone marrow transplants?
    Donor compatibility and risk of virus transmission.
  • How does therapeutic cloning work?
    It produces an embryo with the same genes as the patient for stem cell transplantation.
  • What medical conditions could therapeutic cloning potentially help treat?
    Conditions such as diabetes or paralysis.
  • What are the ethical concerns surrounding therapeutic cloning?
    • Ethical objections from some individuals.
    • Religious objections to the use of embryos.
  • Where are stem cells found in plants?
    Stem cells are found in meristem tissue, such as at the tips of roots and buds.
  • How can meristem tissue be used in agriculture?
    • To produce clones of plants quickly and cheaply.
    • To clone rare plants to prevent extinction.
    • To produce cloned crop plants resistant to diseases.