SB2d stem cells

Question 1

describe where stem cells are found

Answer 1

stem cells are found in early HUMAN EMBRYOS

Question 2

describe the function of stem cells in animals

Answer 2

embryonic stem cells divide + produce ANY kind of cell at all , this means stem cells are really important for the growth and development of organisms.

Question 3

describe the function of of stem cells in plants

Answer 3

divide by mitosis found in plant tissues called MERISTEMS in the areas of a plant that are growing ( eg the tips of the roots and shoots) produce unspecialized cells that are able to divide and form any cell type in the plant as long as the plant lives

Question 4

compare embryonic and adult stem cells in animals

Answer 4

adults have stem cells but only in certain places like bone marrow NOT AS VERSATILE as embryonic stem cells - can’t produce any cell type at all, only certain ones. adult stem cells used to REPLACE DAMAGED CELLS eg new skin or blood cells

Question 5

give examples of where stem cells may be used in medicine

Answer 5

sickle cell anaemia be cured with a bone marrow transplant ( adult stem cells produce new blood cells )
cardiac muscle cells could be transplanted into someone with heart disease

Question 6

identity benefit and risks of using stem cells in medicine

Answer 6

BENEFITS :
- replace damaged cells in diseases or to grow new organs for transplant
RISKS :
tumor development - stem cells divide very quickly
disease transmission - virus lives inside cells, donor has virus could pass it on to the recipient
rejection- body may reject the cell and trigger an IMMUNE RESPONSE to get ride of them