Cell Division Flashcards
What are undifferentiated cells called?
Stem Cells
What do stem cells do?
They can divide to produce lots of more undifferentiated cell, they can differentiate into different types of the cell depending on instructions.
Where are Stem Cells found?
In early human embryos or adult bone marrow
Where can Human Stem cells be used?
Medicine or research. To treat things like paralysis
How are Stem Cells used in Medicine and Research?
They can have clones produced and then they can be made to differentiate into any type of cell.
What is the difference between an Embryonic and a non - embryonic Stem Cell?
Embryonic - from human embryos can turn into any type of cell
Non - Embryonic - from adults, only found in certain places e.g bone marrow
Where can Embryonic Stem Cells be used to cure/aid?
- Diabetes
- Paralyses
What does therapeutic cloning involve?
Embryos could be made to have the same genetic information as the patient
So, it would not be rejected by the body when replacing faulty cells.
What is a risk involved in Stem Cells in medicine?
Stem Cells may grow to become contaminated with a virus which could be passed on.
Why is the use stem cells from human embryos considered controversial?
Some people believe that human embryos should not be used since it is a potential human life.
Where are Stem Cells found in plants?
Meristem
What are these plant Stem Cells able to do?
- Clone the entire plant
- Quickly and Cheaply
Why is this useful for plants to be cloned?
- Used to prevent rare species dying out
- Grow crops for desired characteristics e.g disease resistance.
What does the nucleus contain?
Your genetic material in the form of Chromosomes (coiled up in lengths of DNA molecules)
What is a Chromosome?
The structure made of DNA that codes for all the characteristics of an organism.
