Stem Cells Flashcards
What are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells; a cell that has not become specialised (doesn’t have a specific function) is undifferentiated.
Animal Stem Cells
Most stem cells differentiate at an early stage for animals.
Adult Stem Cells
Bone marrow can be differentiated (transformed) into related cells such as blood cells and cells of the immune system.
Embryo Stem Cells
Embryonic stem cells can differentiate, making all of the specialised cells of the body, which means that the cells are versatile as they can be transformed into any cell for the body.
Issues with Embryonic Stem Cells?
Seen as Unethical - the embryo cannot give consent
No guarantee in success
Difficult to find a bone marrow donor.
Advantages of Plant Stem Cells:
Food can be grown quickly and economically.
Identical plants for research purposes.
Saves rare species.
Can make special features such as Diease Resistance.
Advantages of Plant Stem Cells:
Food can be grown quickly and economically.
Identical plants for research purposes.
Saves rare species.
Can make special features such as Disease Resistance.
