Simple Inheritance in Animals and Plants Flashcards
What are the two types of cell division?
- mitosis
- meiosis
What is mitosis used for?
- growth of cells
- repair of damaged cells
What happens during mitosis?
- copy of each chromosome is made before division and one goes to each new cell
- two genetically identical cells produced
What type of cells divide by meiosis?
cells in reproductive organs
- to form gametes
How many cells are produced by meiosis?
4 gametes
How many sets of chromosomes do they have?
single set of chromosomes (half the genetic material)
What happens during meiosis?
- copy of each chromosome is made before division
- cell divides twice to form four gametes
- each gamete has a single set of chromosomes each with different combination
What does sexual reproduction give rise to?
variation due to half genes from each gamete
What are stem cells?
unspecialised cells
Where are they found?
- inner cell mass of human embryos
- bone marrow
Why are stem cells important?
they can differentiate into all types of cells
- stem cells in bone marrow can differentiate into blood cells
What diseases/conditions can stem cells be used for?
- paralysis (nerve cells)
- blood diseases (bone transplants)
- faulty cells
- skin disorders
Reasons against Stem Cell research
- embryos shouldn’t be used for experiments since they are potential human lives
- curing patients who already exist more important
- usually unwanted embryos from fertility clinics
- people want to find other sources
sources of stem cells
- excess skin from tummy tucks or breast implants
- umbilicial cord
ethics of stem cells
reproductive cloning - leads to designer babies
