stem cells

Question 1

what are stem cells?

Answer 1

cells that have not yet been specialised for a specific function. this process is called cell differentiation

Question 2

where do stem cells generally live?

Answer 2

in bone marrow

Question 3

what is the function of stem cells in plant and animal cells?

Answer 3

can replace specialised tissues

Question 4

examples of where stem cells would be used in medicine?

Answer 4

type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis which can lead to paralysis, spinal cord or brain injury

Question 5

what are the risks/cons of stem cells

Answer 5

can form cancerous tumours which can spread, can cause an immune response leading to rejection of transplanted cells, can be contaminated with other viruses and have harmful side effects

Question 6

what are the benefits/pros of stem cells?

Answer 6

replace damaged/worn out cells, replace damaged tissues, can test new drugs and reduce the reliance on animal testing ,grows tissues

Question 7

compare embryonic and adult stem cells

Answer 7

embryos are made from embryonic stem cells that can be developed into any cell type. Adult stem cells are found only in specific areas of the body such as the bone marrow and can only develop into a limited number of cell types