Unit 1.4: Cellular Differentiation

Question 1

What is cellular differentiation?

Answer 1

Cellular differentiation is the process by which a cell develops more specialised functions by expressing specific characteristics for that type of cell

Question 2

Where does differentiation occur in plants?

Answer 2

• Occurs at the meristems which are regions of unspecialised cells that can divide and differentiate
• Apical meristems are found at the tip of plants and increase in length
• Lateral meristems are found in the stems and increase in width

Question 3

Where does differentiation occur in animals?

Answer 3

• Stems cells are unspecialised cells that can divide and differentiate
• Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent ( can develop into all types of cells)
• Adult stem cells are multipotent ( can develop into a sub-set of cell types)

Question 4

Ethical issues with using embryonic stem cells?

Answer 4

Involves the destruction of an embryo

Question 5

Therapeutic uses of stem cells?

Answer 5

The repair of damaged or diseased cells

Question 6

What are research uses of stem cells?

Answer 6

Drug testing