C1L6: Stem Cells Flashcards
1
Q
What is a stem cell?
A
undifferentiated cell which can become other cell types
2
Q
What is differentiation?
A
ability to specialise into a cell that’s adapted for its function
3
Q
Pros of embryonic stem cells?
A
- totipotent
- destroyed anyway
- therapeutic cloning
4
Q
Cons of embryonic stem cells?
A
- right to life
- unable to consent
- rejection
5
Q
Embryonic stem cells are totipotent, define totipotent
A
ability to develop into most cell types
6
Q
Where are adult stem cells usually located?
A
- skin cells
- bone marrow
7
Q
Adult stem cells are multipotent, define multipotent
A
ability to develop into more than 1 cell type, but more limited
8
Q
Describe the process of therapeutic cloning
A
- patient cell taken
- nucleus with 46 chromosomes extracted
- nucleus removed from donor egg
- patient nucleus implanted into donor egg shell
- electric shock given to zygote to induce division
- embryo formed
- totipotent, embryonic stem cells harvested & grown to treat patient
9
Q
Describe the process of stem cells in plants
A
- plant cutting exposes meristem cells
- plant cutting dipped into hormone powder which encourages differentiation
- cutting placed into compost and cutting forms roots
10
Q
What is embryonic stem cell harvesting?
A
Stem cells harvested from embryo
