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Questions and Answers
What type of stem cells can differentiate into any type of cell in the body?
What type of stem cells can differentiate into any type of cell in the body?
Adult stem cells are found only in the brain.
Adult stem cells are found only in the brain.
False
What is therapeutic cloning?
What is therapeutic cloning?
The creation of an embryo with the same genes as a patient to obtain stem cells.
Meristems in plants are found in the ______ and ______ tips.
Meristems in plants are found in the ______ and ______ tips.
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Which of the following is a potential use for embryonic stem cells?
Which of the following is a potential use for embryonic stem cells?
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Match the type of stem cell with its characteristic:
Match the type of stem cell with its characteristic:
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Stem cells can be used without any ethical considerations.
Stem cells can be used without any ethical considerations.
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What is a benefit of stem cell research?
What is a benefit of stem cell research?
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Study Notes
Stem Cells
- Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can divide to create more similar cells, some of which will develop different functions.
Types of Stem Cells
Embryonic Stem Cells
- Formed when an egg and sperm fuse to create a zygote.
- Can differentiate into any cell type in the body.
- Scientists can direct these cells to differentiate into various cell types in a lab.
- These cells have the potential to replace damaged cells in conditions like diabetes and Alzheimer's, or replace nerve cells for spinal cord injuries.
Adult Stem Cells
- Found in bone marrow, among other locations.
- Can differentiate into various cell types, including blood cells.
Meristems (Plant Stem Cells)
- Located in plant root and shoot tips.
- Can differentiate into any plant cell type during the plant's life.
- Can be used to make clones of plants, useful for preserving desirable traits (like disease resistance) or for rare plant conservation.
Therapeutic Cloning
- Involves creating an embryo with the same genetic material as a patient.
- The embryo's stem cells can be harvested and used for treatment.
Benefits of Stem Cell Research
- Potential to replace damaged or diseased body parts.
- Using unwanted embryos from fertility clinics.
- Advancement of understanding cell differentiation.
Problems of Stem Cell Research
- Limited understanding of the differentiation process.
- Stem cell removal destroys the embryo.
- Ethical and religious objections regarding interference in reproduction processes.
- Risk of contamination with viruses.
- Alternative areas of medical research may be more fiscally sound to pursue.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of stem cells, including their types, such as embryonic and adult stem cells. Learn about their potential applications in medicine and plant biology, as well as the concept of therapeutic cloning. This quiz will test your understanding of stem cell functions and their importance in both human health and agriculture.