Stem Cells Flashcards
What are stem cells?
Unspecialised cells that have the potential to differentiate into different types of specialised cells
Where can stem cells be found?
- in human embryos
- in adult tissues eg bone marrow
Name 3 different types of stem cells
Totipotent
Pluripotent
Multipotent
Where is the totipotent found?
in early embryos
Where is pluripotent found?
In the placenta and can differentiate into almost any cell type
Where is multipotent found?
in mostly adults but will only differentiate into certain cell types
Where are stem cells in plants found?
In the meristem regions of a root or shoot tip
Name a benefit of stem cells in medicine
can be used to create specialised cells to replace damaged ones
Name a risk of stem cells in medicine
They divide very quickly and if this isn’t controlled a tumour may develop
