1.5 - Stem Cells

Question 1

What are 2 Key Features of Stem Cells?

Answer 1

• They can Divide by Mitosis to form more Cells.
• They are able to Differentiate into Specialised Cells.

Question 2

What are the 2 types of Stem Cells found in Animals?

Answer 2

• Adult Stem Cells
• Embryonic Stem Cells

Question 3

Where are Embryonic Stem Cells found?

Answer 3

In Embryos.

Question 4

Where are Adult Stem Cells found?

Answer 4

In Bone Marrow.

Question 5

What can Embryonic Stem Cells Differentiate into?

Answer 5

Any type of Specialised Cell.

Question 6

What can Adult Stem Cells Differentiate into?

Answer 6

Different types of Blood Cells.

Question 7

What are Meristems in Plants?

Answer 7

Areas of a Plant that are Continually Growing such as the Tips of the Roots & Shoots.

Question 8

Where are Plant Stem Cells found?

Answer 8

In Meristem Tissue.

Question 9

What can Plant Stem Cells Differentiate into?

Answer 9

All of the Cells and Tissues that the Plant Needs.

Question 10

What are 3 Examples of Cells/Tissues Plant Stem Cells can Differentiate into?

Answer 10

• Palisade Cells
• Phloem & Xylem Cells
• Root Hair Cells

Question 11

What is the Cause of Type 1 Diabetes?

Answer 11

Damage to the Pancreas Cells that normally Produce Insulin.

Question 12

What is the Cause of Paralysis?

Answer 12

Damaged Nerve Cells.

Question 13

What is the Cause of Anaemia?

Answer 13

Misshapen Red Blood Cells.

Question 14

How are Stem Cells used in Medicine?

Answer 14

Stem Cells are used to Replace Faulty Cells with Properly Working Cells.

Question 15

What is the most Common method of using Stem Cells in Medicine?

Answer 15

1 ) Extract Embryonic Stem Cells from Early Embryos.
2 ) Grow them in a Laboratory.
3 ) Stimulate them to Differentiate into whichever type of Specialised Cell that is needed.
4 ) Give them to the Patient to Replace their Faulty Cells.

Question 16

What are some Disadvantages of using Embryonic Stem Cells in Medicine?

Answer 16

• Limited Supply.
• Some Ethical Issues.
• Patient’s Immune System may reject the Stem Cells.

Question 17

What are some Advantages of using Adult Stem Cells in Medicine?

Answer 17

• Unlimited Supply as they are taken from the Patient.
• No Ethical Issues.
• Won’t cause Rejection.

Question 18

What are some Disadvantages of using Adult Stem Cells in Medicine?

Answer 18

• Can only Differentiate into different types of Blood Cell.
• Therefore can only be used to treat Blood Disorders.

Question 19

What are the 2 Key Risks of using Stem Cells in Medicine?

Answer 19

• Virus Transmission.
• Tumour Development.

Question 20

What is the Risk of Virus Transmission?

Answer 20

If the Donor Stem Cells are Infected with a Virus, they will transfer this Virus into the Patient and Infect them.

Question 21

What is the Risk of Tumour Development?

Answer 21

• As Stem Cells can Divide so quickly, there’s a chance that they could go out of control once they’ve been transplanted.
• This could lead them to Develop into a Tumour/Cancer.