SB2d Stem Cells

Question 1

Describe where stem cells are found.

Answer 1

It is found in the bone marrow.

Question 2

Describe the function of stem cells in plants and animals.

Answer 2

It is as a source of new cells to grow or replace specialised cells.

Question 3

Compare embryonic and adult stem cells in

animals.

Answer 3

Embryonic stem cells can become all cell types of the body Adult stem cells are thought to be limited to differentiating into different cell types of their tissue of origin;

Question 4

Give examples of where stem cells may be

used in medicine.

Answer 4

They could be used to replace cells that have been damaged or destroyed, for example: in type 1 diabetes. in cases of multiple sclerosis, which can lead to paralysis. in cases of spinal cord or brain injury, which have led to paralysis.

Question 5

Identify benefits of using stem cells

in medicine.

Answer 5

Treat people with untreatable conditions

Can grow organs for transplants and research.

Question 6

Identify risks of using stem cells

in medicine.

Answer 6

No guarantee how successful these are
The current difficulty in finding suitable stem cell donors
The difficulty in obtaining and storing a patient’s embryonic stem cells.
Mutations have been observed in stem cells cultured for a number of generations, and some mutated stem cells have been observed to behave like cancer cells.
Can transfer viruses