Stem cells and differentiation

Question 1

What is meant by ‘differentiate’?

Answer 1

The process by which cells become specialised for a particular function

Question 2

How is a sperm cell adapted for it’s function?

Answer 2

Has a tail so it is able to move towards the egg.

Question 3

What are stem cells?

Answer 3

Undifferentiated cells with the potential to form a wide variety of different cell types

Question 4

What does it mean when a cell becomes ‘specialised’?

Answer 4

It’s structure is adapted to suit the particular job that it does

Question 5

What are adult stem cells?

Answer 5

Stem cells that are found in adults that can differentiate and form a limited number of cells

Question 6

What are embryonic stem cells?

Answer 6

Stem cells from an early embryo that can differentiate to form the specialised cells of the body

Question 7

Why are more people opposed to the use of embryonic stem cells than adult stem cells?

Answer 7

Some people believe life begins at conception and so the destruction of the embryo means the end to a life

Question 8

How could embryonic stem cells be more beneficial than adult stem cells?

Answer 8

Embryonic stem cells are able to differentiate into more cell types than adult stem cells