Stem Cells Flashcards
(11 cards)
When can embryonic stem cells be sourced?
First few hours of life when only 2-8 cells (embryo)
Which type of cells do embryonic stem cells form?
They can form any type of cell
How are embryonic stem cells sourced
They are generally sourced from donations from women undergoing IVF who have
excess embryos
What are embryonic stem cells (and similar types )also called?
The types of stem cell are called totipotent (potential to become any cell)
How long do embryonic stem cells exist for?
They exist until the embryo turns into a structure called a blastocyst (5 days old)
How many types of cells can adult stem cells form?
They can differentiate to form a LIMITED type of cells
• E.g. bone marrow stem cells can only make blood cells
How are adult stem cells obtained?
Obtained by extracting from an adult donor
What are adult cells (and similar types) called?
These types of stem cells are called multipotent or
unipotent (can only become some types)
What can adult stem cells be used for?
Bone marrow can currently be use to treat issues with
the blood such as leukaemia
Where are stem cells found in plants
Found in the active growing regions – root and shoot tip
This region is called meristem
How are stem cells beneficial on plants?
• Can save rare plants by cloning them
• Produce large quantities of plants for research
• Used in horticulture to make lots of plants for sale e.g. pretty flowers
• Used in agriculture to make lots of crops e.g. banan
