Stem cells

Question 1

What is a stem cell?

Answer 1

An undifferentiated cell which can differentiate to form other types of cells.

Question 2

Where are stem cells found?

Answer 2

In bone marrow and embryonic stem cells are found in the embryo.

Question 3

Where are plant stem cells found?

Answer 3

In the meristem tissue at the tips of shoots and roots of the plant.

Question 4

What are stem cells used for?

Answer 4

Medical treatments
Therapeutic cloning
Plant cloning

Question 5

What is therapeutic cloning?

Answer 5

It is when an embryo is produced with the same genes as the patient.

Question 6

What are the steps involved in therapeutic cloning?

Answer 6

Stem cells containing the same genes as the patient are transplanted so won’t be rejected by the immune system.

Once inside, stem cells can differentiate to replace cells that have stopped working correctly.

Question 7

What are the problems with stem cell research?

Answer 7

Stem cells may transfer viral infections
There are ethical issues as each embryo is seen as a potential human life