Stem Cells Overview

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Questions and Answers

What type of stem cells can differentiate into any type of cell in the body?

  • Bone marrow cells
  • Adult stem cells
  • Embryonic stem cells (correct)
  • Meristems

Adult stem cells are found only in the brain.

False (B)

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.

<p>root, shoot</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential use for embryonic stem cells?

<p>Replacing nerve cells for spinal cord injuries (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of stem cell with its characteristic:

<p>Embryonic stem cells = Can differentiate into any cell type in the body Adult stem cells = Limited to specific types of cells Meristems = Found in plants and can differentiate throughout their life Therapeutic cloning = Creates embryonic cells matching a specific individual</p> Signup and view all the answers

Stem cells can be used without any ethical considerations.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of stem cell research?

<p>The ability to replace damaged or diseased body parts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a stem cell?

A cell that can divide and differentiate into different types of cells with specialized functions.

What are embryonic stem cells?

Stem cells found in early embryos that have the potential to differentiate into any cell type in the body.

What are adult stem cells?

Stem cells found in adult tissues that can differentiate into a limited range of cell types.

What are meristems?

Specialized regions in plants found at the tips of roots and shoots, capable of differentiating into any plant cell type.

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What is therapeutic cloning?

Creating a clone of an individual by using their DNA to produce an embryo with the same genetic makeup, then harvesting its embryonic stem cells.

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What is a benefit of stem cell research?

The potential to use stem cells to replace damaged or diseased body parts with healthy, functional tissues.

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What is a problem with stem cell research?

The current lack of complete understanding of stem cell differentiation, making it difficult to control their development into desired cell types.

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How can meristems be used for plant cloning?

A method used to generate genetically identical copies of a plant, often used to preserve desirable traits or rare species.

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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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Stem Cells (1.2.3) PDF

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