Stem Cells

Question 1

What are stem cells

Answer 1

Cells that have not become specialised for a specific function

Question 2

What are the two types of stem cells in humans

Answer 2

Embryonic stem cells
Adult stem cells

Question 3

What are embryonic stem cells

Answer 3

Cells that make up an embryo, they are unusual as they are able to differentiate into all types of cells that make a human.

Question 4

What are adult stem cells

Answer 4

Only grow into grow into specific parts body like bone marrow and hair follicles, they only differentiate into those types of cells.

Question 5

Where are stem cells found

Answer 5

Meristems

Question 6

What are stem cells used for

Answer 6

Treatment of diseases like leukaemia and blood cancers. Theoretically, a larger range of diseases

Question 7

What are plant stem cells used for

Answer 7

Creating a genetically identical copy of a plant, which can help create copies of rare/valuable plants

Question 8

Why are embryonic stem cells not used often

Answer 8

They have clinical, ethical and social issues around them