Stem Cells and Differentiation Flashcards
what is differentiation?
the process by which a cell changes to become specialised for its job
what are stem cells?
they are undifferentiated that can differentiate into different types of cell depending on what instructions they are given.
why are there different types of specialised cells?
because some of their genes have been switched on and others off so they have different sub-cellular structures
what happens when skin and red blood cells cannot divide?
adult stem cells replace dead or damaged cells
where are stem cells found in plants?
they are formed at active regions of the stems and roots (meristems)
is differentiation permanent in plants?
no
you can move a differentiated plant cell from one part to another where it will redifferentiate to become a completely different type of cell
why are embryonic cells useful?
they can turn into any kind of cell
- can be used to replace faulty cells in sick people
> insulin producing cells for those with diabetes
> nerve cells for those with spinal paralysis
how is cloning beneficial?
clones can be made to differentiate into specialised cells to use in medicine and research.
what is a risk of using stem cell?
stem cells grown in labs could be contaminated with a virus that is passed on to the patient
why are adult stem cells useful?
they can cure diseases
- stem cells from the bone marrow of a healthy person can replace faulty red blood cells in a patient
what is therapeutic cloning?
when an embryo is produced with the same genes as the patient so the stem cells are not rejected.
arguments against stem cells?
- human embryos = potential life
+ curing patients who are alive is more important than the rights of embryos
+ embryos in clinics are usually unwanted ones that would otherwise be destroyed
(however people campaigning against embryonic stem cells would most probably oppose abortion also)
benefits of plant stem cells?
- can be used to produce clones quickly and cheaply
- farmers can grow crops with desired features e.g: disease resistance
- save rare plants from extinction
- helps produce large populations of identical plants for research
