Stem cells

• What are stem cells?

  Cells that can divide and differentiate
• Why are stem cells important?

  They can form specialized cells and replace damaged ones
• What are the two key features of stem cells?

  • Ability to divide by mitosis
  • Ability to differentiate into specialized cells
• What is the process by which stem cells divide?

  Mitosis
• What happens when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell?

  It forms a zygote, the first cell of an organism
• What are embryonic stem cells?

  Cells that can differentiate into any type of cell
• What types of cells can embryonic stem cells differentiate into?

  Nerve cells, skin cells, blood cells
• How do adult stem cells differ from embryonic stem cells?

  Adult stem cells 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
• What are plant stem cells found in?

  Merry stem tissue
• Where in plants are stem cells located?

  In areas that are continually growing
• What do plant stem cells differentiate into?

  Cells and tissues needed for plant growth
• What is the function of palisade cells in plants?

  To perform photosynthesis
• What do phloem and xylem cells do?

  Transport sugars and water
• How long do plant stem cells persist?

  For the plant's entire life
• What is the difference between embryonic and adult stem cells?

  • Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any cell type
  • Adult stem cells can only differentiate into a limited range of cells
• What are the roles of stem cells in animals and plants?

  • Animals: Replace damaged cells, maintain blood cell levels
  • Plants: Differentiate into necessary tissues for growth
• What is the significance of the zygote in human development?

  It is the first cell of a new organism
• What happens to embryonic stem cells as development progresses?

  They differentiate into specialized cells
• How do stem cells contribute to the growth of a plant?

  They differentiate into all necessary cells and tissues
• What is the role of root hair cells in plants?

  To absorb water and minerals
• What is the jelly-like substance in large bones called?

  Bone marrow
• What is the main function of adult stem cells in bone marrow?

  To produce different types of blood cells
• What happens to embryonic stem cells by the time of full development?

  They disappear
• How do plant stem cells differ from embryonic stem cells in terms of lifespan?

  Plant stem cells persist throughout the plant's life