Stem cells

• What are 2 main features of stem cells ?

  • They can divide by mitosis to form more cells
  • They can differentiate into different types of specialised cells .
• Name 2 main types of animal stem cells

  • Embryonic stem cells
  • Adult stem cells
• What do we call the plants tissues that are continually growing, and that contain stem cells ?

  Meristem tissue - Found in the tips of the roots and shoots.
• What is a stem cell ?

  • An undifferentiated cell, capable of becoming any other type of cell.
• Where in the body are adult stem cells found ?

  • Bone marrow
• What is the main difference between adult and embryonic stem cells ?

  • Adult stem cells can only differentiate into a narrow range of specialised cells .
  • Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any type of cell.
• In which stages of their life do plants have stem cells ?

  Throughout all stages of their life .
• Where are embryonic stem cells found ?

  • In the embryo, which is formed when a sperm cell fertilises an egg cell.