Chapter 2.3 Stem cells

Question 1

What happens when an egg cell and sperm cell fuse?

Answer 1

An egg cell and sperm cell fuse to form a zygote.

Question 2

What can treatment from stem cells treat?

Answer 2

Treatment with stem cells may be able to help conditions such as paralysis and diabetes.

Question 3

What is the difference between a stem cell and a normal body cell?

Answer 3

Stem cells are capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods. Unlike muscle cells, blood cells, or nerve cells—which do not normally replicate themselves—stem cells may replicate many times, or proliferate (increase rapidly in number; multiply.)

Question 4

What are the advantages of using stem cells to treat diseases?

Answer 4

Stem cells offer a viable source of replacement cells to treat diseases and can potentially reduce the morbidity and mortality for those awaiting transplants. Some of the areas that stem cells can benefit include: Parkinson’s disease. Type I diabetes.

Question 5

Give 5 sources of stem cells?

Answer 5

• The brain
• Bone marrow
• Blood and blood vessels
• Skeletal muscles
• The liver