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 capable of differentiating into?

  Any type of cell
• What do embryonic stem cells form after several divisions?

  A small group of cells called an embryo
• 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 the body?

  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
• What are some examples of cells that plant stem cells can differentiate into?

  Palisade cells, phloem, and xylem cells
• How long do plant stem cells persist?

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

  • Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any cell type
  • Adult stem cells can only differentiate into a narrow range of cells
  • Embryonic stem cells are present in early development
  • Adult stem cells are found in specific tissues like bone marrow
• What is the jelly-like substance in large bones that contains adult stem cells?

  Bone marrow
• What is the function of palisade cells in plants?

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

  Transport sugars and water
• What is the main purpose of stem cells in animals?

  To replace damaged cells
• What happens to embryonic stem cells as development progresses?

  They disappear by the time of full development