1.4- Cellular Differentiation

Question 1

Explain the meaning of cellular differentiation

Answer 1

Cellular differentiation is the process by which a cell expresses certain genes to produce proteins characteristic for the type of cell. This allows a cell to carry out specialised functions.

Question 2

State the function of a meristem

Answer 2

Meristems are where cellular differentiation takes place in plants.
Meristems are regions of unspecialised cells that can divide and self renew.

Question 3

State and explain the two forms of stem cells in animals

Answer 3

Embryonic stem cells- from the early stages of embryonic development
Tissue stem cells- found in tissues throughout the body

Question 4

Describe embryonic stem cells

Answer 4

Cells in the very early embryo can differentiate into all the cell types that make up the organism and so are pluripotent

Question 5

Describe tissue stem cells

Answer 5

Tissue stem cells are involved in the growth, repair and renewal of cells found in that tissue and so are multipotent

Question 6

Examples of therapeutic uses of stem cells

Answer 6

corneal repair and the regeneration of damaged skin

Question 7

Research uses of stem cells

Answer 7

Stem cells can be used as model cells to study how diseases develop or can be used for drug testing

Question 8

Ethical issues

Answer 8

The use of embryonic stem cells can offer effective treatments for disease and injury however it involves the destruction of the embryo