Y10 Specialised Cells / Stem Cells Flashcards
What’s the main different between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any cell type (pluripotent), whereas adult stem cells can only differentiate into a limited range of cells (multipotent)
What is a major ethical concern with using embryonic stem cells?
The process involves destroying embryos, which some believe is morally wrong because they view embryos as potential human life
What does pluripotent mean?
A pluripotent stem cell can differentiate into almost any cell type in the body
How is a sperm cell adapted to its function?
Has a tail (flagellum) which allows it to swim to the egg, and head contains enzymes which allows it to bind to the egg
How is an egg cell adapted to its function?
Large and bulky - and contains yolk which provides a large food store for the new cell being formed
How is a palisade cell adapted to its function?
Tall and has a large surface area, which helps maximise sunlight absorption, as well as water and minerals, also has lots of chloroplasts for photosynthesis
How is a ciliated cell adapted to its function?
Has tiny hairs called cilia which sweep dust and bacteria trapped by mucus
How is a root hair cell adapted to its function?
Has a large surface area to maximise absorption of water and minerals from the soil, thin cell wall makes it easy for minerals to pass through
How is a nerve cell adapted to its function?
They are long and have connections at each end (synapses) - allowing for efficient transferring of electrical signals
How is a red blood cell adapted to its function?
Has a biconcave shape which allows the RBC to bend and flow smoothly through capillaries, contains haemoglobin which binds with oxygen, and has no nucleus so it can carry more oxygen
Advantages of extracting embryonic stem cells
Many embryos can be created in a lab / can come from donated embryos, painless technique, treats many diseases, can become any type of cell
Disadvantages of extracting embryonic stem cells
Destroys embryo, embryo cannot consent, unreliable, cancer risk
Advantages of extracting adult stem cells
No ethical issues, can treat some diseases, procedure is (relatively) safe, reliable technique, quick recovery
Disadvantages of extracting adult stem cells
Risk of infection, can only treat a few diseases, procedure can be painful
What is differentiation?
The process in which stem cells become specialised cells in order to perform specific functions within the body
