SB2 - Cells and control

A student investigated mitosis in the root tip of a garlic plant.

Explain why the student used the tip of the root.

Because the tip of the root contains meristems cells for growth.

The student squashed the root tip on a microscope slide to spread out the cells. The slide was placed on the stage of a microscope.

Describe how to use the microscope to obtain a clear image of the cells.

Switch the lamp on, look through an eyepiece lens and turn the focusing wheel to obtain a clearer image.

Explain why human stem cells are used when trying to grow kidneys using genetically modified pig embryos.

Because stem cells can form any type of cell so can produce the kidney tissue.

Mitosis and meiosis are processes that produce new cells. Compare the outcomes of mitosis and meiosis

1. Mitosis produces 2 cells and meiosis produces 4 cells

2. Mitosis produced genetically identical cells and meiosis produces genetically different cells

3. Mitosis produces body cells and meiosis produces sex cells

In 2012, two scientists were awarded the Nobel prize for their research on stem cells. They showed that adult cells could be reprogrammed to become cells with the properties of embryonic stem cells.

Describe the possible benefits of this research

1. Have potential to produce any cell type

2. No need to use embryonic stem cells

3. Less chance of patient rejecting their own cells