Unit 1 Topic 4- Cellular Differentiation

Question 1

Where does differentiation in plants occur?

Answer 1

Meristems

Question 2

Where are meristems found?

Answer 2

At the root and shoot tip of the plant as apical meristems or around the stem as lateral meristems

Question 3

What are meristems?

Answer 3

Regions of unspecialised plant cells that can divide to differentiate to form specialised cells

Question 4

What are the 2 key functions of stem cells?

Answer 4

To reproduce themselves by mitosis and to differentiate into specialised cells

Question 5

What is the difference between embryonic and tissue stem cells?

Answer 5

Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into all types of cell whereas tissue stem cells are only capable of differentiating into a type of cells determined by the region they are found in

Question 6

What is pluripotent?

Answer 6

Stem cells which can develop into all types of cell (embryonic stem cells)

Question 7

What is multipotent?

Answer 7

A type of stem cell which can only develop into certain types of cell depending on where thy are found ( tissue stem cells)

Question 8

What are some of the uses of stem cells in research?

Answer 8

To provide information on how cell processes such as cell growth, differentiation and gene regulation work
As model cells to study how diseases develop
As model cells for drug testing

Question 9

What are some positives to using embryonic stem cells in stem cell research?

Answer 9

They would just be disposed of anyway so might as well use them to help people
It could significantly reduce the amount of animal and human testing

Question 10

how can stem cells can be used therapeutically

Answer 10

Repair of damaged organs/tissues,