Stem Cells

• What is a stem cell?

  An undifferentiated cell that can differentiate
• Where are stem cells found in animals?

  In embryos and adult organisms
• Where are stem cells found in plants?

  In meristem tissue at root tips and buds
• What are embryonic stem cells capable of?

  Differentiating into any type of body cell
• How do adult stem cells differ from embryonic stem cells?

  Adult stem cells cannot differentiate into all cell types
• What is a common use of stem cells in medicine?

  Bone marrow transplants for leukemia
• What is the first step in a bone marrow transplant for leukemia?

  Destroying the patient's existing bone marrow
• What is a risk associated with bone marrow transplants?

  Donor compatibility issues
• What is therapeutic cloning?

  Producing an embryo with the patient's genes
• Why are stem cells from therapeutic cloning less likely to be rejected?

  They have the same genes as the patient
• What medical conditions could therapeutic cloning potentially help?

  Diabetes and paralysis
• What ethical concerns are associated with therapeutic cloning?

  Objections based on ethics or religion
• How can meristem tissue be used in agriculture?

  To produce clones of plants quickly
• Why might farmers clone plants?

  To create disease-resistant crop plants
• What are the differences between embryonic and adult stem cells?

  • Embryonic stem cells:
  • Undifferentiated
  • Can become any cell type
  • Adult stem cells:
  • Limited differentiation
  • Found in specific tissues (e.g., bone marrow)
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using stem cells in medicine?

  Advantages:

  • Potential to treat various diseases
  • Can regenerate damaged tissues

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Ethical concerns
  • Risk of rejection or complications