Stem Cell Differentiation

Question 1

What is differentiation?

Answer 1

the process of becoming specialised / differentiated

stem cells keep dividing to replace themselves

they are undifferentiated - they can differentiate to form other types of cells

Question 2

What are stem cell differentiation in animals?

Answer 2

bone marrow contains multipotent stem cells

can only divide to form a few different types - erythocytes (RBCs) and neutrophils (WBCs)

Question 3

What are plants stem cell differentiation?

Answer 3

meristems contain pluripotent stem cells found in growing regions of plant e.g. root + shoot tips

vascular cambium is the mertistem that makes - xylem and phloem