Cell Replacement Theory

Question 1

What do stem cells do?

Answer 1

Differentiate into specialised cells

Question 2

What is meant by ‘neurodegenerative’ disease? Give two examples

Answer 2

Diseases which cause destruction of the central nervous system, especially neurons in the brain
Parkinson’s disease & Alzheimers

Question 3

How could cell replacement therapy help with neurodegenerative disease?

Answer 3

Healthy neuronal tissue could replace dying neurons

Question 4

How has cell replacement theory been tested and what were the results?

Answer 4

Testing in embryos

Transplanted cells survived and established connections with adjacent neurons

Question 5

What causes Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 5

Deterioration of neurons which produce dopamine

Question 6

What is dopamine and what does it do?

Answer 6

Neurotransmitter specifically for the brain

Co-ordinates smooth and balanced muscle movement

Question 7

What would be the result of lack of dopamine?

Answer 7

Loss in ability to control body movements

Question 8

What are 2 possible causes of the deterioration of neurons that produce dopamine?

Answer 8

Genetic

Toxins in the environment

Question 9

What happens to the brain size of those with alzheimers? Hat does this mean with regards to the number of nerve cells?

Answer 9

Shrinks over time

The less neurons, the less connections the brain has

Question 10

With Alzheimer’s, what part of the brain shrinks, that causes the whole the brain to shrink?

Answer 10

The cerebral cortex - the outer surface that encompasses the entire brain

Question 11

Alzheimers results in memory loss and impaired: “…” give 5 examples of what alzheimers impairs (J.R.L.S.R.W)

Answer 11

Judgement
Reasoning
Logic
Speaking
Reading
Writing