Cell division

• Chromosome - The structure made of DNA that codes for all the characteristics of an organism
• Gene - A section of DNA that contains instructions to make proteins.
• Protein - Made up of amino acids, which are used by cells as building blocks.
• Stem cell-Undifferentiated cells which divide to produce more stem cells and can differentiate into many other types of cells
• Embryonic stem cell- They can differentiate into any type of specialised cell
• Differentiation- When a stem cell becomes a specific type of cell with its own function
• Cell cycle- The stages of growth and replication of a cell
• Adult stem cell- Found in adult tissues such as bone marrow or brain tissue. Can only differentiate into certain types of cells
• Plant stem cells found in plants, can differentiate into any type of plant cells
• Uses of stem cells - used to treat:

  • Bone marrow
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Paralysis
• Stem cells are important because they have the potential to replace damaged cells and organs.
• Pros of use of embryonic stem cells:

  • used on ppl who are infertile to have a baby
  • can use adult embryos for consent
  • used to treat several diseases
• Cons of use of embryonic stem cells:

  • unused embryos are thrown away
  • people argue that they are destroying a potential human baby
  • Adult stem cells can't be used to treat all diseases