Stem Cells Flashcards
Cell Biology (22 cards)
What is the process by which a cell changes to become specialized for its job?
Differentiation
What are undifferentiated cells called?
Stem cells
Where are stem cells found in early human development?
In early human embryos
What is the potential of embryonic stem cells?
They have the potential to turn into any kind of cell
Where are adult stem cells typically found?
In certain places like bone marrow
What types of cells can adult stem cells differentiate into?
Certain types, such as blood cells
What can stem cells from embryos and bone marrow be grown to produce?
Clones (genetically identical cells)
What diseases can adult stem cells help to cure?
Diseases like blood disorders
What is therapeutic cloning?
A type of cloning where an embryo is made to have the same genetic information as the patient
What is a risk involved in using stem cells in medicine?
They may become contaminated with a virus
What is a concern of people against stem cell research?
That human embryos shouldn’t be used for experiments
What do some people argue is more important than the rights of embryos?
Curing existing patients who are suffering
Where do the embryos used in stem cell research typically come from?
Unwanted ones from fertility clinics
What do campaigners for the rights of embryos advocate for?
Finding and developing other sources of stem cells
Is stem cell research banned in some countries?
Yes
Where is stem cell research allowed with strict guidelines?
In the UK
Where are stem cells found in plants?
In the meristems
What can stem cells in meristem tissues differentiate into?
Any type of plant cell
What can stem cells be used to produce in plants?
Clones (identical copies) of whole plants
What is a benefit of using stem cells to grow crops?
To produce identical plants with desired features
What is one reason for using stem cells to grow more plants of rare species?
To prevent them from being wiped out
Fill in the blank: Stem cells can be used to grow crops of identical plants that have _______ for farmers.
Desired features
