stem cells (+ meristem)

Question 1

what is a stem cell?

Answer 1

undifferentiated cells that can divide indefinitely and turn into other specific cell types

Question 2

name and define the 4 types of stem cell

Answer 2

• totipotent: can develop into any cell type including placenta and embryo
• pluripotent: can develop into any cell type excluding the placenta and embryo
• multipotent: can only develop into a few different types of cell
• unipotent: can only develop into one type of cell

Question 3

suggest some uses of stem cells

Answer 3

• repair of damaged tissue e.g. cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction
• drug testing on artificially grown tissues
• treating neurological diseases e.g. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
• researching developmental biology e.g. formation of organs, embyros

Question 4

what are meristems?

Answer 4

• totipotent undifferentiated plant cells that can develop into various types of plant cell, including xylem vessels and phloem sieve tubes
• classified as apical (at root and shoot tips), intercalary (stem) or lateral (in vascular areas)