stem cells + specialised cells

• What is a stem cell?

  An undifferentiated cell that can give rise to more cells of the same type and can differentiate into other types of cells
• Where are stem cells found in animals?

  In embryos and adult organisms, such as bone marrow
• Where are stem cells found in plants?

  In the tips of roots and buds, containing meristem tissue
• What happens during fertilization in humans?


  A sperm cell joins with an ovum (egg cell)
• What is the process called when cells specialize into different types of cells?

  Differentiation
• What are embryonic stem cells capable of?

  They can differentiate into any type of body cell
• How do adult stem cells differ from embryonic stem cells?

  Adult stem cells cannot differentiate into any other type of cell
• What is a common medical use of stem cells?

  Bone marrow transplants for treating leukemia
• What is the process involved in a bone marrow transplant for leukemia?

  The patient's existing bone marrow is destroyed, and then they receive a transplant from a compatible donor
• What are the two main problems associated with bone marrow transplants?

  Donor compatibility and risk of virus transmission
• What is therapeutic cloning?


  Producing an embryo with the same genes as the patient for stem cell transplantation
• Why might stem cells from a cloned embryo not be rejected by the patient's immune system?

  Because they have the same genes as the patient
• What medical conditions could therapeutic cloning potentially help with?

  Conditions such as diabetes or paralysis
• What are some ethical concerns regarding therapeutic cloning?

  Some people have ethical or religious objections to the procedure
• What type of tissue do plant stem cells differentiate into?

  Any type of plant tissue
• How can meristem tissue be used in agriculture?


  To produce clones of plants quickly and cheaply
• Why might cloning a rare plant be beneficial?

  To prevent it from going extinct
• How can cloned crop plants benefit farmers?

  By producing plants that are resistant to diseases
• What are the key points about stem cells in animals and plants?

  • Stem cells are undifferentiated cells.
  • Found in embryos (embryonic stem cells) and adults (adult stem cells).
  • Adult stem cells are limited in differentiation.
  • In plants, stem cells are found in meristem tissue.
  • Stem cells can be used for medical treatments and plant cloning.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of using stem cells in medicine?

  Strengths:

  • Potential to treat various medical conditions.
  • Can replace damaged or dysfunctional cells.

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Ethical concerns regarding sourcing.
  • Risks of rejection or complications in transplants.