1.8 - Stem Cells

Question 1

Name the two types of stem cells found in animals.

Answer 1

Adult stem cells

Embryonic stem cells

Question 2

Two key features of stem cells:

Answer 2

They can divide by mitosis to form more cells

They can differentiate into specialised cells

Question 3

Fill in the gaps below

1) When a sperm cell ____________ an egg
cell they form a single cell called a __________.

2) This cell then divides by __________
to form a ball of cells which we call an
___________.

3) The cells in this embryo are known as _________ stem cells and can __________
into any type of cell.

Answer 3

1) fertilises, zygote

2) mitosis, embryo

3) embryonic, differentiate

Question 4

Can adult stem cells divide by mitosis?

Answer 4

Yes

Question 5

Can adult stem cells differentiate into all types of specialised cell?

Answer 5

No

Adult stem cells can only differentiate into different types of blood cells, e.g. white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets

Question 6

Where in the body are adult stem cells found?

Answer 6

Bone marrow

Question 7

What are meristems

Answer 7

the plant tissues that are continually growing and that contain stem cells

Question 8

Which two parts of the plant contain meristem tissue?

Answer 8

Tips of the shoots

Tips of the roots

Question 9

Do plant stem cells persist for the plant’s entire life?

Answer 9

Yes