Differentiation And Stem Cells Flashcards
Why do cells differentiate?
To become specialised for their job
How is a sperm adapted for swimming to the egg cell ?
- long tail
- stream lined head
- lot of mitochondria for energy
- enzymes to digest through the egg cell membrane
How can embryonic stem cells be used to cure diseases?
- make insulin for diabetes
- nerve cells for spinal injuries
Why might people be opposed to the use of human embryos in stem cell research?
- embryos are potential human life
- other sources are available
What are sperm cells specialised for?
Reproduction
What are nerve cells specialised for?
Rapid signalling
What are muscle cells specialised for?
Contraction
What are root hair cells specialised for?
Absorbing water and minerals
What are phloem and xylem cells specialised for?
Transporting substances
How are nerve cells adapted for carrying signals ?
- long to cover more distance
- branches connections, so it connects all around the body
How are muscle cells adapted for contraction?
- long so space to contract
- lots of mitochondria for energy
How are root hair cells adapted for absorbing water and minerals
-give plants a bigger surface area
What are the advantages of stem cells?
Contain the same genes so wouldn’t be rejected
When do cells differentiate?
- At an early stage for most animal cells
- plant cells don’t ever loose the ability to differentiate
What is differentiation ?
The process by which all cell changes become specialised for its job
