Stem Cells

• What is a stem cell?

  are cells that have not undergone differentiation. A cell which has not yet become specialised is called undifferentiated.
• Do adults have embryonic cells?

  No. They have limited stem cells.
• Where can stem cells be found in adults?

  Bone marrow - red blood cells, types of white blood cells, platelets.
• Where are plant stem cells found?

  mertistem
• Where are meristems found in plant?

  they are found in the roots and shoots in plants.
• Are plant adult stem cell like adult stem cells in humans?

  No. Stem cells in adult plants can still make every type of plant cell.
• Examples of plant stem cells?

  photosynthesis, phloem cells, root hair cell - all have the potential to form whole new plants.
• What are plant stem cells used for?

  used to make clones (identical copies) - parent cells.

  orchids and other house plants to produce quickly and cheaply.

  Conserving endangered species - fringed campion, American Elm.

  Clones of plants that have been genetical modified to deal with environment stress - normal maize, drought-resistant gm maize.
• What are human cells used for?

  used for medicine and scientist found ways to grow embryonic stem cells in the lab.
• What type of diseases can embryonic stem cells cure?

  diabetes - replacing the insulin producing cells in the pancreas.

  enable people paralysed by spinal injuries to walk again by regrowing spinal nerves.
• What types of challenges have been faced?

  encourage embryonic stem cells are need, without them growing into something else - that we not want.
• What are the adult stem cells used?

  scientist have been using bone marrow for transplants for years.

  they are investigating different types of adult stem cells - see how they might control he way they were develop.
• What is the impact of stem cells in the future?

  bink of success with stem cells - which could change science forever.
• What are therapeutic stem cells?

  a regenerative medicine approach that uses the body's natural ability to repair itself by utilising the unique properties of stem cells.