stem cells

• What is differentiation in cell biology?

  Process by which a cell becomes special
• What are undifferentiated cells called?

  Stem cells
• What does pluripotent mean in relation to stem cells?

  They can turn into any type of cell
• How do stem cells differentiate?

  Based on the instructions they receive
• Where are stem cells found in humans?

  Early human embryos
• Why do all cells in an early embryo need to be able to differentiate?

  To turn into all different types of cells
• Where are adult stem cells found?

  In certain places like bone marrow
• How do adult stem cells differ from embryonic stem cells?

  They cannot turn into any cell type
• What can stem cells from embryos and bone marrow be used for?

  To produce clones and specialized cells
• How are adult stem cells used in medicine?

  To replace faulty blood cells in patients
• What potential use do embryonic stem cells have in treating diseases?

  To replace faulty cells in sick people
• What is therapeutic cloning?

  Creating an embryo with the patient's genes
• Why would stem cells from therapeutic cloning not be rejected?

  They contain the same genes as the patient
• What is a risk associated with using stem cells in medicine?

  Contamination with a virus in the lab
• Why are some people against stem cell research?

  They believe embryos are potential human lives
• What do some people prioritize over the rights of embryos?

  Curing patients who are suffering
• What is a common argument in favor of using embryos for research?

  They are usually unwanted from fertility clinics
• What do campaigners for embryo rights want scientists to focus on?

  Finding other sources of stem cells
• In which country is stem cell research allowed under strict guidelines?

  UK
• Where are stem cells found in plants?

  In the meristems
• What can stem cells in meristem tissues do throughout a plant's life?

  Differentiate into any type of plant cell
• How can stem cells be used in agriculture?

  To produce clones of desired plant features
• What is one benefit of cloning rare plant species?

  To prevent them from being wiped out
• What is a potential alternative source of stem cells?

  Reprogramming differentiated adult cells
• Why is it important to know the uses of stem cells?

  To understand the arguments for and against them