chapter 6.5: stem cells

What is differentiation?

When a cell becomes specialised

What are meristems?

Stem cells that are found in the meristematic tissues of plants

What happens to cells once they are specialised?

They loose their ability to divide and enter G0 phase

What does stem cell potency mean?

The ability of a stem cell to differentiate into different cell types

What are totipotent stem cells?

Stem cells that can differentiate into any type of cell. They can also differentiate into extra embryonic tissues

What are example of stem cells that are totipotent?

A fertilised egg, zygote and the 8-16 cells from the first few division

What are pluripotent cells?

They are stem cells that can form all tissues type but not the whole organism

What are example of pluripotent cells?

The stem cells present in early embryos

What are multipoint stem cells?

Stem cells that can only form a range of cells within a certain type of tissue

What are example of multipoint stem cells?

Haematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow

What are the two types of animal stem cells?

Embryonic stem cells and tissue stem cells

What type or cells are embryonic stem cells?

Totipotent

What type of stem cells are blastocyst?

Pluripotent

When are blastocyst cells formed?

Blastocyst cells are formed around seven days into embryo developments.

Where are tissue stem cells found?

In specific areas like bone marrow

What kind of cells are tissue cells?

Multipotent

What kind of stem cells are plant stem cells?

Pluripotent

What are examples of where plant stem cells can be found?

In the roots and shoots

Where can stem cells be harvested?

From the umbilical of new born babies

What are a few advantages of using stem cells harvested from the umbilical card of new born babies?

Stem cells can be stored for future use and there is less chance of rejection during transplant. Also, no invasive surgery is needed

How can stem cells help burn treatment?

Stem cells grown on biodegradable meshes produce new skin cells for burn patients

Why might someone argue against embryonic stem cell use?

Because life begins at conception and the desecration of embryo is murder

What are induced changes pluripotent stem cells?

Adult stem cells that have been genetically modified to act like embryonic stem cells and so are totipotent