Cell Biology

• 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 significant?

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

  A zygote
• What happens to the zygote in the following days?

  It divides by mitosis to form an embryo
• What are the cells called that form from the zygote?

  Embryonic stem cells
• What can embryonic stem cells differentiate into?

  Any type of cell, like nerve or blood cells
• How do adult stem cells differ from embryonic stem cells?

  They can only differentiate into a narrow range of cells
• Where are adult stem cells found?

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

  Different types of blood cells
• What is the role of adult stem cells?

  To replace damaged cells
• Where are plant stem cells found?

  In meristem tissue
• What do plant stem cells differentiate into?

  All cells and tissues the plant needs
• How do plant stem cells differ from embryonic stem cells?

  They persist for the plant's entire life
• What are the main functions of stem cells in animals and plants?

  • Animals:
  • Divide by mitosis
  • Differentiate into specialized cells
  • Replace damaged cells
  • Plants:
  • Found in meristem tissue
  • Differentiate into all necessary plant cells
  • Persist throughout the plant's life
• What is the significance of stem cells in human development?

  • Form from zygote
  • Differentiate into all cell types
  • Essential for growth and development
• What types of cells do plant stem cells differentiate into?

  • Palisade cells (photosynthesis)
  • Phloem cells (sugar transport)
  • Xylem cells (water transport)
  • Root hair cells (water absorption)