Stem Cells

Question 1

What are stem cells

Answer 1

Undifferentiated cells that are able to divide by mitosis & express all its genes

Question 2

Types of potency

Answer 2

Totipotent
Pluripotent
Multipotent

Question 3

Totipotent vs pluripotent vs multipotent

Answer 3

Question 4

Uses of stem cells

Answer 4

Growth
Tissue repair
Cell replacement

Question 5

Why do cells need to be differentiated & specialised

Answer 5

Multicellular organisms have small SA:V ratio’s so most cells aren’t in contact with the environment & so need to be specialised for particular functions

Question 6

Sources of stem cells

Answer 6

Bone marrow
Embryo
Umbilical cord
Meristem (cambium)

Question 7

Stem cells in the bone marrow can differentiate to

Answer 7

Erythrocytes
Neutrophils

Question 8

Stem cells in the cambium can differentiate to

Answer 8

Xylem
Phloem

Question 9

Ethical / issues of stem cells

Answer 9

Deny embryos right to life
Stem cell culture difficult & expensive
Even with immune suppressants, may be rejected by bodies

Question 10

Uses of stem cells

Answer 10

Whole organ repair in organ transplants
Research into development biology
In Alzheimers & Parkinson’s disease to replace damaged cells
Damage tissue repair, in pancreas cells to treat diabetes nervous tissue to treat spinal/injuries