1.5 - Stem Cells Flashcards
What are 2 Key Features of Stem Cells?
- They can Divide by Mitosis to form more Cells.
- They are able to Differentiate into Specialised Cells.
What are the 2 types of Stem Cells found in Animals?
- Adult Stem Cells
- Embryonic Stem Cells
Where are Embryonic Stem Cells found?
In Embryos.
Where are Adult Stem Cells found?
In Bone Marrow.
What can Embryonic Stem Cells Differentiate into?
Any type of Specialised Cell.
What can Adult Stem Cells Differentiate into?
Different types of Blood Cells.
What are Meristems in Plants?
Areas of a Plant that are Continually Growing such as the Tips of the Roots & Shoots.
Where are Plant Stem Cells found?
In Meristem Tissue.
What can Plant Stem Cells Differentiate into?
All of the Cells and Tissues that the Plant Needs.
What are 3 Examples of Cells/Tissues Plant Stem Cells can Differentiate into?
- Palisade Cells
- Phloem & Xylem Cells
- Root Hair Cells
What is the Cause of Type 1 Diabetes?
Damage to the Pancreas Cells that normally Produce Insulin.
What is the Cause of Paralysis?
Damaged Nerve Cells.
What is the Cause of Anaemia?
Misshapen Red Blood Cells.
How are Stem Cells used in Medicine?
Stem Cells are used to Replace Faulty Cells with Properly Working Cells.
What is the most Common method of using Stem Cells in Medicine?
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.
What are some Disadvantages of using Embryonic Stem Cells in Medicine?
- Limited Supply.
- Some Ethical Issues.
- Patient’s Immune System may reject the Stem Cells.
What are some Advantages of using Adult Stem Cells in Medicine?
- Unlimited Supply as they are taken from the Patient.
- No Ethical Issues.
- Won’t cause Rejection.
What are some Disadvantages of using Adult Stem Cells in Medicine?
- Can only Differentiate into different types of Blood Cell.
- Therefore can only be used to treat Blood Disorders.
What are the 2 Key Risks of using Stem Cells in Medicine?
- Virus Transmission.
- Tumour Development.
What is the Risk of Virus Transmission?
If the Donor Stem Cells are Infected with a Virus, they will transfer this Virus into the Patient and Infect them.
What is the Risk of Tumour Development?
- 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.
