Stem Cells

• What ability have stem cells adopted for a specialized function?

  Differentiation
• What is a stem cell characterized by?

  Ability to differentiate into diverse cell types
• What happens to stem cells that remain undifferentiated?

  They divide to form more cells of the same type
• Specialized cells originate from what?

  Stem cells
• What is the process by which stem cells produce specialized cells called?

  Differentiation
• Where can adult stem cells be found?

  Bone marrow
• What is differentiation restricted to in adult stem cells?

  A few cell types
• Where are embryonic stem cells found?

  Human embryos
• What can embryonic stem cells differentiate into?

  Any cell type
• Besides humans, where else can stem cells be found?

  Plants
• What triggers an immune response against transplanted cells?

  Identification as foreign
• Specifically, where are stem cells located in plants?

  Meristems
• Which cells are responsible for destroying rejected stem cells?

  White blood cells
• What are the advantages of using adult stem cells?

  • Less likely to be rejected when transferred
  • Have proven success in clinical applications
  • No major ethical concerns
• What are the disadvantages of using adult stem cells?

  • Limited differentiation potential
  • Can only be cultured for short durations
  • Can be difficult to locate/isolate
  • Cannot be cultured on a large scale
  • Suitable bone marrow donors are difficult to find
• What is a major advantage of embryonic stem cells in culture?

  They can grow for a year
• What studies are helped by the ability of embryonic stem cells to differentiate into any cell type?

  Development processes
• What is a risk associated with embryonic stem cells regarding rejection?

  Risk of rejection
• What is required to ensure the safety and efficacy of embryonic stem cells for patients?

  Extensive testing
• What can embryonic stem cells lead to the development of if not carefully controlled?

  Tumors or cancers
• What ethical concern arises from obtaining embryonic stem cells?

  Embryos are destroyed to obtain cells
• What is an ethical concern surrounding the rights of the embryo when using embryonic stem cells?

  The rights of the embryo
• Where is meristem tissue found in plants?

  Tips of shoots and roots
• What process occurs where meristems are located?

  Growth
• What does the presence of meristems allow plants to do throughout their lives?

  Continue to grow
• What happens to most plant cells once they differentiate?

  They cannot replicate
• Why is meristem tissue needed in plants?

  To produce copies of cells for growth
• What can meristem tissue be used to do to a plant?

  Clone a plant
• What is taken from a shoot to clone a plant using meristem tissue?

  A cutting
• What does the meristem cutting produce to form a new plant?

  Copies of each other
• Why might farmers find it useful to clone plants?


  To quickly grow more plants
• What characteristics might farmers desire in cloned plants?

  Disease/pest resistance
• How can cloning plants impact crop yield and food security?

  Increase crop yield
• Besides disease/pest resistance, what other characteristics might farmers want to clone plants for?

  Colourful petals, large fruit