Chapter 2

Question 1

What are the 5 steps of the cells cycle?

Answer 1

• number of sub-cellular structures (e.g: ribosomes and mitochondria) increase
• number of chromosomes double
• one set of chromosomes is pulled to each end of the cell
• the nucleus divides
• cytoplasm and cell membranes divide to form two identical cells

Question 2

What are 3 stem cells called, and what are their properties?

Answer 2

• embryonic stem cell = can divide into most types of cells
• adult stem cell = can divide into a limited number of cells (e.g. bone marrow stem cells can form various blood cells.)
• meristem = found in plants. Can differentiate into any type of cell

Question 3

What are the uses of embryonic stem cells?

Answer 3

therapeutic cloning - embryonic stem cells produced with same gene as patient. No rejection

Question 4

What are the uses of meristems?

Answer 4

they clone rare species - to prevent extinction, also crops with special features can be cloned

Question 5

What are the pros of using stem cells?

Answer 5

treatment of disease such as diabetes , dementia and paralysis

Question 6

What are the cons of using stem cells?

Answer 6

ethical and religious objections. Can transfer viruses held within cells