cell division & stem cells

where is genetic information stored?

in chromosomes in the nucleus

what are genes?

small sections of DNA controlling characteristics

what is mitosis?

cell division producing two identical cells

what is the cell cycle?

growth, DNA replication and mitosis

what are stem cells?

undifferentiated cells that can become other cell types

where are stem cells found in animals?

embryos and bone marrow

where are stem cells found in plants?

meristems

what is therapeutic cloning?

producing stem cells genetically identical to a patient

what are benefits of stem cells?

may treat diseases like paralysis or diabetes

what are risks of stem cells?

tumours, rejection, ethical concerns

specialised cell

specialised cells have adapted to form a specific function/role

define adult stem cells

stem cells that can only differentiate into a specific type of cell

sperm cell adaptation

a tail to help it swim to the egg

lot’s of mitochondria to provide the energy needed for swimming

nerve cell adaptation

long to cover more distance

have branches at their ends to connect to other nerve cells

muscle cell adaptation

long so that they can have space and to contract

lot’s of mitochondria to provide energy for contracting

root hair cell adaptation

have a long hair like shape which sticks out into the soil

this gives the plant a big surface area for absorbing water and mineral ions

phloem and xylem cell adaptations

cells are long and joined end to end

xylem cells are hollow in the centre

phloem cells have very few subcellular structures

this makes lots of space so that stuff can flow through them

describe one way that plant stem cells can be used by farmers to increase crop yields

cloning plants