Topic 2 - Stem Cells In Embryos, Animals And Plants Benefits/risks Of Their Use In Medicine

Question 1

What is a stem cell?

Answer 1

An undifferentiated cell which can undergo division to produce many more similar cells

Some of these cells will differentiate to have different functions.

Question 2

What are embryonic stem cells?

Answer 2

Form when an egg and sperm cell fuse to form a zygote

They can differentiate into any type of cell in the body.

Question 3

What is a potential use of embryonic stem cells?

Answer 3

Replacing insulin-producing cells in diabetes patients

Also used for new neural cells in Alzheimer’s or nerve cells for spinal cord injury.

Question 4

What are adult stem cells?

Answer 4

Stem cells found in bone marrow that can form many types of cells including blood cells

They are less versatile than embryonic stem cells.

Question 5

Where are meristems found in plants?

Answer 5

In root and shoot tips

They can differentiate into any type of plant.

Question 6

What is therapeutic cloning?

Answer 6

An embryo produced with the same genes as the patient

This allows for harvesting embryonic stem cells that match the patient genetically.

Question 7

What is a benefit of using stem cells from therapeutic cloning?

Answer 7

They would not be rejected as they have the same genetic make-up as the individual

This is crucial for tissue or organ transplantation.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: Stem cells can differentiate into _______.

Answer 8

[different types of cells]

Question 9

True or False: Meristems in plants can only differentiate during the early stages of plant life.

Answer 9

False

They have the ability to differentiate throughout the life of the plant.

Question 10

List the types of stem cells.

Answer 10

• Embryonic stem cells
• Adult stem cells
• Meristems in plants

Question 11

What can meristems in plants be used for?

Answer 11

To make clones of the plant

This may be necessary for desirable features or to save a rare plant from extinction.

Question 12

What is a benefit of using stem cells in research?

Answer 12

Can be used to replace damaged or diseased body parts.

This highlights the potential of stem cells in regenerative medicine.

Question 13

What is a problem associated with controlling stem cells?

Answer 13

We do not completely understand the process of differentiation.

This makes it hard to control stem cells to form the desired cells.

Question 14

How can unwanted embryos from fertility clinics be utilized in stem cell research?

Answer 14

They could be used as they would otherwise be discarded.

This raises ethical considerations regarding the use of embryos.

Question 15

What ethical issue arises from the removal of stem cells from embryos?

Answer 15

Removal of stem cells results in destruction of the embryo.

This is a significant concern for many individuals and groups.

Question 16

What is a key area of research related to stem cells?

Answer 16

Research into the process of differentiation.

Understanding differentiation is crucial for effective stem cell therapies.

Question 17

What ethical objections might people have regarding stem cell research?

Answer 17

People may have religious or ethical objections.

This is often seen as interference with the natural process of reproduction.

Question 18

What risk is associated with contaminated growing stem cells?

Answer 18

An infection can be transferred to the individual.

This presents a significant health risk in stem cell therapies.

Question 19

What is a criticism regarding the allocation of resources in stem cell research?

Answer 19

Money and time could be better spent on other areas of medicine.

This reflects a broader debate on funding priorities in healthcare.