UNIT 1.4

Question 1

differentiation is

Answer 1

the process by which unspecialised cells become altered and adapted to perform specialist functions

Question 2

plant stem cells

Answer 2

meristems are groups of unspecialised plant cells, capable of dividing repeatedly throughout the life of the plant
found in roots and shoots and beneath the xylem and phloem

Question 3

embryonic stem cells

Answer 3

pluripotent as can differentiate into any type of cell

Question 4

tissue stem cells

Answer 4

multipotent as they can differentiate into all types of cell in that tissue

Question 5

therapeutic uses

Answer 5

• corneal repair due to chemical burns
• bone marrow transplant for cancers of the blood
• human embryonic stem cells have been used to grow on synthetic scaffolds and used to treat burn victims

Question 6

lab uses

Answer 6

• how diseases develop
• used for drug testing
• provide information on cell processes such as cell growth, differentiation and gene regulations

Question 7

ethical issue

Answer 7

requires the killing of embryos