Stem cells

• What is an example of an undifferentiated cell?


  Stem cells are undifferentiated but depending on what instructions they're given, they can divide by mitosis to become new cells, which then differentiate.
• Why are embryonic stem cells so important for growth and repair?

  They have the potential to become any kind of cell.
• Where can you find stem cells in the body?

  In adults, stem cells can be found in bone marrow. You can also find them in the umbilical cord.
• What is the main disadvantage of stem cells?


  They cannot turn into any type of cell.
• What are the only cells in plants that divide by mitosis?


  Meristems- they are found in plant tissues.
• Where is meristem tissue found in the plant?


  Anywhere in the plant thats growing- e.g the roots and shoots.
• What type of cells do meristems produce?

  They produce unspecialised cells that are able to divide into any cell type in the plant and they act like embryonic stem cells.
• What can the unspecialised cells in the plant become?

  They can become specialised and form tissues like xylem and phloem.