Unit 1 Topic 7 - Cellular Differentiation

Question 1

Explain the term “cellular differentiate”

Answer 1

This is the by which a cell develops more specialised functions.
It does this by expressing the genes characteristics for that type of cell

Question 2

Describe the difference between embryonic and adult stem cells

Answer 2

Stem Cells
Stem cells are unspecialised cells in animals that can divide to:
• self-renew - make copies of themselves by mitosis.
• differentiate into more specialised cells

Adult stem cells give rise to a more limited range of cell types than embryonic stem cells as many of their genes are already switched off. They are involved in the growth, repair & renewal of the cells found in that tissue.
They are multipotent = they can differentiate only into types of cell found in a particular tissue type.

Question 3

Describe the use of stem cells in different types of research.

Answer 3

Stem cells can be used as model cells to study

Question 4

Describe the therapeutic use of stem cells.

Answer 4

Stem cells can be used to repair damaged or diseased organs and tissues.

Question 5

Give an ethical issue involved in the use of stem cells.

Answer 5

1. Embryonic stem cells involve the use of aborted material or the destruction of human embryos
2. Embryo could turn into a human baby.

Question 6

Explain the term meristems

Answer 6

Meristems are regions of unspecialised cells in plants that are capable of self-renewal and differentiation.
They can divide to form specialised cells such as xylem & phloem