Stem Cells Flashcards
(19 cards)
Name the two types of stem cells found in animals
Adult stem cells
Embryonic stem cells
Name two features of stem cells
•They can divide by mitosis to form more cells
•They can differentiate into specialised cells
Can adult stem cells differentiate into all type of specialised cell?
No - only into types of blood cells
Where in the body are adult stem cells found?
Bone marrow
What are meristems?
Plant tissues that are continually growing that contain stem cells
Where in the plants contains meristems?
•Tips of the shoots
•Tips of the roots
Do meristems persist for the plants entire life?
No
Which cell is adapted for transmitting messages from one part of the body to another?
Nerve cells
How is a sperm cell adapted for its role?
•Streamlined to make swimming easier
•Digestive enzymes to break through egg wall
•Many mitochondria to provide energy
What is differentiation?
The process by which cells become specialised
How are RBC adapted for its role?
•Contains haemoglobin, a substance that carries oxygen
•Doesn’t have a nucleus - increasing the oxygen carried
How are root hair cells adapted for its function?
Large surface area to increase absorption rate
What is the condition when nerve cells are damaged causing the loss of ability to move in parts of the body?
Paralysis
Describe the steps of stem cell treatment
- Extract embryonic stem cells from early embryos
- Grow them in a laboratory.
- Stimulate them to differentiate.
- Give them to the patient to replace faulty cells.
Name two drawbacks of using embryonic stem cells in stem cell therapy
•Stem cells have a limited supply
•The risk of rejection
•Ethical issues regarding stem cells
Give a drawback of using adults stem cells for stem cell treatment
•They have to be extracted from bone marrow which is painful
• They can only differentiate into a few cell types
Give an advantage of using adult stem cells rather than embryonic stem cells
•Adult stem cells will reject as they’re taken from the patient
•They are taken from the patient so aren’t limited in supply
Give a risk of using stem cells in medicine
•Stem cells could be infected with a virus, therefore infecting the patient
•Stem cells could mutate developing into a tumour
Is stem cell research legal in the UK?
Yes, but is highly regulated
