B2.1.6 - Stem Cells

Question 1

Function of stem cells

Answer 1

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells.
They divide via mitosis forming cells which then differentiate and become specialised.
Stem cells can develop into any type of specialised cell
Used by body during development,growth and repair.

Question 2

Types of stem cells in animals

Answer 2

embryonic and adult stem cells

Question 4

Embryonic stem cells

Answer 4

Found in embryos
Can differentiate into all cell types

Question 5

Adult stem cells

Answer 5

Found in various body tissues such as the brain, bone marrow, skin and liver.
Can different into some different types of cell, nit mot as many as embryonic stem cells can.
Once animal is fully grown, stem cells remain in non-dividing state unless activated by disease or tissue injury, in which the stem cells start to divide again and repair what’s been damaged.

Question 6

Where are stem cells found in plants

Answer 6

Unlike animals, plants continue to grow in their life but only in particular parts.
These parts are called the meristems and include shoot tips
Stem cells found in plant meristems.
They are very small compared to other plant cells, have very thin walls, small vacuoles and no chloroplasts.
Differentiated plant cells cannot divide as their cell walls are thick and rigid.