Stem Cells Flashcards
What are stem cells?
They differentiate into specialised cells.
What is differentiation?
It’s a process by which cells become specialised.
What’s the difference between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any type of cell whereas adult stem cells can only differentiate into a limited range of cells.
Fill in the blank: The cells in the bone marrow differentiate to replace worn out blood cells - erythrocytes and ___________
Neutrophils
Where are stem cells found in plants?
Meristems
Fill in the blank:
In the root and stem of plants, stem cells of the vascular cambium differentiate to become xylem _______ and phloem _____ _____.
…. xylem (vessels) and phloem (sieve tubes).
Fill in the blank:
Stem cells can differentiate into different specialised cell types, so scientists think they could be used to repair and replace _______ _______ in a range of diseases.
damaged tissues
Fill in the blank:
Stem cells are also used by scientists researching developmental biology, i.e how organisms grow and develop. Studying stem cells can help us to understand more about things like _____________ _________ and ______.
…. about things like (developmental disorders) and (cancer).
What does pluripotent mean for stem cells?
The stem cells can differentiate into all cell types except extraembryonic tissues.
What does totipotent mean for stem cells?
The stem cells can differentiate into all cell types.
What does multipotent mean for stem cells?
The stem cells can differentiate into limited cell types, depending on where they are from.
What does unipotent mean for stem cells?
The stem cells can differentiate into only one cell type.
Fill in the blank:
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) are produced from a specialised adult somatic (body) cell instead of embryos. This will help avoid _______ ______
ethical issues
