Stem Cells

• Name the two types of stem cells found in animals?

  Adult stem cells

  Embryonic stem cells
• Two key features of stem cells?

  1. They can divide by mitosis to form more cells 
  2. They can differentiate into specialised cells
• 1. When a sperm cell fertilises an egg cell they form a single cell called a zygote.
  2. This cell then divides by mitosis to form a ball of cells which we call an embryo.
  3. The cells in this embryo are known as embryonic stem cells and can differentiate into any type of cell. 
• Can adult stem cells divide by mitosis?

  yes
• Can adult stem cells differentiate into all types of specialised cell?

  no

  only blood cells
• Where in the body are adult stem cells found?

  bone marrow
• What do we call the plant tissues that are continually growing and that contain stem cells?

  Meristems
• Which two parts of the plant contain meristem tissue?

  Tips of the roots

  Tips of the shoots
• Do plant stem cells persist for the plant's entire life?

  yes