Specialised / Stem Cells / Cloning

Question 1

define specialised cell

Answer 1

a cell whose structure is specialised to allow them to carry out a specific function

Question 2

define stem cell

Answer 2

a cell that can become any other type of cell

Question 3

define differentiation

Answer 3

when cells become specialised for a particular function and cannot change into a different cell after

Question 4

give 5 examples of specialised cells

Answer 4

root hair cell
palisade cell
nerve cell
red blood cell
sperm cell

Question 5

how does the structure of a root hair cell improve its function

Answer 5

extensions to reach far into soil to absorb water and minerals

Question 6

how does the structure of a palisade cell improve its function

Answer 6

lots of chloroplasts help the cell absorb light energy needed for photosynthesis

Question 7

how does the structure of a nerve cell improve its function

Answer 7

dendrites helps cell to branch out and connect to other cells

Question 8

how does the structure of a red blood cell improve its function

Answer 8

biconcave shape increases surface area to carry more oxygen

Question 9

how does the function of a speed cell improve its function

Answer 9

tail used to swim to egg and fertilise it

Question 10

give 3 examples of animal stem cells

Answer 10

umbilical cord
bone marrow
early embryos

Question 11

explain the process of therapeutic cloning of stem cells

Answer 11

1) nucleus removed from patients body cell
2) nucleus removed from donors egg cell
3) cell divides and grows into embryo
4) stem cells are grown and specialised
5) specialised cells used to make patient better

Question 12

give 5 advantages of therapeutic cloning

Answer 12

reduced risk to donor
less donors needed
less risk of transplant 
quicker recovery time 
long term success rate

Question 13

give 4 disadvantages of therapeutic cloning

Answer 13

unknown side effects
limited use / knowledge
donors needed
still some risk

Question 14

what are the two methods of plant cloning

Answer 14

take cuttings

tissue culture

Question 15

describe the taking cuttings method of plant cloning

Answer 15

1) take plant and cut off piece of stem
2) dip end of cut stem into hormone rooting powder
3) out stem into pot of damp compost
4) cover pot with plastic bag to keep moist

Question 16

describe the tissue culture method of plant cloning

Answer 16

1) scrape a tissue sample from parent plant
2) tissue sample placed in agar growth medium containing nutrients
3) samples develop
4) plantlets planted into compost

Question 17

give 3 advantages of plant cloning

Answer 17

rare species can be cloned to protect against extinction

cheap

availability for agriculture for food

Question 18

give 4 disadvantages of plant cloning

Answer 18

monoculture (grow lots of the same crop)

can cause extinction if environment changes

fewer food sources for animals

reduces variation