Stem cells

• What are stem cells?

  Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to develop into many different types of specialised cells
• What is the difference between embryonic stem cells and bone marrow?

  Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any type of specialised cell whereas the stem cells found in bone marrow can only differentiate into a few types of cells such and red and white blood cells
• What are the stem cells found in plants called?

  Meristems
• Where are the meristems found?

  On the tips of the roots and shoots of the plant
• Unspecialised cells meristems produce?

  1. The unspecialised cells meristems produce can divide by mitosis and become specialised
  2. The cells that meristems produce can change what type of cell they are over the course of their lifetime
• Explain an advantage of meristems?

  • Meristems can be produced quickly and cheaply
  • Particular plants can be clones to prevent extinction and disease resistant plants can be cloned in large amounts to increase crop yield
• Describe the medical application of stem cells(bone marrow)?

  • Stem cells in bone marrow can be use to treat sickle cell anaemia
• Describe the medical application of stem cells(embryonic)?

  Diabetes - Grow insulin producing cells

  Paralysis - Grow nerve tissues
• How are stem cells used in medical application?

  Different types of specialised cells are grown by altering the conditions
• Therapeutic cloning?


  Therapeutic cloning when an embryo with the same gene as the pateint is produced and therefore won't be rejected by the body's immune system
• Issues with stem cells?

  1. Religious groups many see at as immoral as some cells are destroyed during the cloning process
  2. Risk of transmitting infection