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
• How does one stem cell divide into more cells?

  It divides by mitosis into two cells
• What can embryonic stem cells differentiate into?

  Any type of cell in the body
• What is formed when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell?

  A zygote
• What are embryonic stem cells capable of?

  They can differentiate into any cell type
• How do adult stem cells differ from embryonic stem cells?

  Adult stem cells can only differentiate into a narrow range
• 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?

  Meristem tissue
• Where in plants are stem cells located?

  In areas of continual growth
• What do plant stem cells differentiate into?

  All cells and tissues the plant needs
• What is the function of palisade cells?

  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 narrow range of cells.
• What are the roles of stem cells in animals and plants?

  • Animals: Replace damaged cells and maintain blood cell levels.
  • Plants: Differentiate into all necessary tissues for growth.