Stem Cells Flashcards
What is a stem cell?
A stem cell is an undifferentiated cell
What is the difference between Embryonic stem cells and Adult stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any cell so they are Pluripotent, Adult stem cells can differentiate into blood cells so they are Multipotent
Which tissue are plant stem cells found in?
Meristem tissue in the tips of shoots and roots
What is good about cloning plants?
Its quick and economic, It saves rare species of plants from extinction, can clone crops with special features, can grow genetically identical plants for research.
What is a clone?
A genetically identical copy
State two embryonic stem cell advantages?
Embryonic stem cells have the potential to cure much more diseases than adult stem cells, Embryonic stem cells are less likely to be rejected by patient.
State two advantages of adult stem cells?
Adult stem cells do not grow into a human so there is less ethical concern, Adult stem cells have successfully treated some diseases like heart disease and grown some organs like windpipes.
State two disadvantages of adult stem cells?
Adult stem cells are more likely to be rejected by the patient. Each adult stem cell takes 4 hours to divide
What are the disadvantages of embryonic stem cells?
It is difficult for embryonic stem cells to be made to change into other cells that we want. Embryonic stem cells grow rapidly (every 30 mins) so there is concern that they might cause cancer
