stem cells (meristems, embryonic cells, ethics etc)

Question 1

what are stem cells, and where are they found

Answer 1

they are undifferentiated cells, that are found in the early human embryo

Question 2

what can stem cells do

Answer 2

they can divide and produce any cell

Question 3

what is a meristem, and where is it found

Answer 3

plant tissue that produces stem cells, found in growing parts of the cell (e.g. the roots)

Question 4

Explain the difference between human and plant stem cells

Answer 4

unlike human stem cells, plant stem cells can divide and differentiate for as long as the plant lives

Question 5

where are adult stem cells found, and what is their use

Answer 5

found in the bone marrow, they’re used to replace damaged cvells

Question 6

what is a potential benefit of use of stem cells in medicine

Answer 6

a benefit can be the ability to replace cells that have been damaged by disease or injury

Question 7

what are some risks with stem cells in medicine?

Answer 7

tumor development - stem cells divide quickly if not controlled it can result in a tumor developing

disease transmission - if stem cells are infected with a disease it can be passed on to patients making them even sicker

rejection - stem cells can be rejected triggering an immune response to try get rid of them, makes patient more susceptible to disease