cell division b3

What is a stem cell?

Undifferentiated cell that can differentiate into one or more specialised cell types

What are adult stem cells?

Stem cells from adults that can only differentiate into certain specialised stem cells

Where can adult stem cells be found?

Bone marrow

What are embryonic stem cells?

Stem cells from embryos that can be differentiated into any specialised cell

Where are embryonic stem cells found?

Early human embryos- usually from spare embryos from fertility clinics

What is therapeutic cloning?

Patients cells are used to create an early embryo clone of themselves- they can be used to treat medical conditions

Give an advantage of using theraputic cloning

Stem cells from the embryo are not rejected when transplanted because they have the same genes as the patient

Give one advantage of using adult stem cells

Fewer ethical issues as they’re are taken from adults who can consent to their use

Give two disadvantages to adult stem cells

• Can take long time for suitable donor to be found

• Can only differentiate into some types of specialised cells

What are plant meristems?

Area where rapid cell division occurs in the tips of roots and shots

What is cell division by mitosis?

Body cells divide to two identical daughter cells

What is the purpose of mitosis?

• growth and repair of cells

• Asexual reproduction

What happens during mitosis?

One set of chromosomes is pulled to each end of the cell and the nucleus divides