Stem cells

Question 1

What is differentiation

Answer 1

• The process by which a stem cells becomes specialised for a job

Question 2

Where are stem cells in animals found

Answer 2

• Embryo (embryonic stem cells)
• Bone marrow (adult stem cells)

Question 3

Where are stem cells in plants found

Answer 3

• Meristem tissue (growing parts of roots and shoots)

Question 4

What is therepeutic cloning

Answer 4

• An embryo could be made to have the same genetic material as the patient
• Stem cells wouldn’t be rejected

Question 5

Why is it important that stem cells can divide by mitosis

Answer 5

• So that more stem cells could be produced to differentiate for specific jobs

Question 6

An example of a disease that could be treated using stem cells

Answer 6

• Diabetes - insuilin producing cells

Question 7

Embryonic stem cells

Answer 7

• Found in embryos
• Can differentiate into any cells
• Many ethical concerns

Question 8

Adult stem cells

Answer 8

• Found in adult bone marrow
• Can differentiate into only a few types of cells - RBC, platelets, etc..

Question 9

Plant stem cells

Answer 9

• Found in meristem tissue
• Can differentiate into any cell throughout the plants life
• Can be used to clone whole plants quickly and cheaply

Question 10

Ethical concerns of embryonic stem cells

Answer 10

• Life of embryo vs life of adult
• Embryo’s are unwanted from fertility clinics
• Embryonic stem cells research are banned in many countries