Stem Cells

• What is a stem cell?

  An undifferentiated cell that can differentiate
• Where are stem cells found in animals?

  In embryos and adult organisms
• Where are stem cells found in plants?

  In meristem tissue at root tips and buds
• What happens during fertilization in humans?

  A sperm cell joins with an ovum
• What is the process called when cells become specialized?

  Differentiation
• What are embryonic stem cells capable of?

  Differentiating into any type of body cell
• How do adult stem cells differ from embryonic stem cells?

  Adult stem cells cannot differentiate into all cell types
• What is a common use of stem cells in medicine?

  Bone marrow transplants for leukemia
• What is the first step in a bone marrow transplant for leukemia?

  Destroying the patient's existing bone marrow
• What are the two main problems with bone marrow transplants?

  Donor compatibility and virus transmission risk
• What is therapeutic cloning?

  Producing an embryo with the patient's genes
• Why are stem cells from therapeutic cloning less likely to be rejected?

  They have the same genes as the patient
• What medical conditions could therapeutic cloning potentially help?

  Diabetes and paralysis
• What ethical concerns are associated with therapeutic cloning?

  Objections based on ethics or religion
• What is meristem tissue in plants?

  Stem cells that can differentiate into any plant tissue
• How can meristem tissue be used in agriculture?

  To clone plants quickly and cheaply
• Why might farmers want to clone crop plants?

  To produce disease-resistant plants
• What are the key uses of stem cells in medicine and agriculture?

  • Medical treatments:
  • Bone marrow transplants for leukemia
  • Therapeutic cloning for conditions like diabetes
  • Agricultural applications:
  • Cloning plants using meristem tissue
  • Producing disease-resistant crops
• What are the differences between embryonic and adult stem cells?

  • Embryonic stem cells:
  • Undifferentiated
  • Can become any cell type
  • Adult stem cells:
  • Limited differentiation
  • Found in specific tissues like bone marrow