Stem Cells Flashcards

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  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

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Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What is a stem cell?

A stem cell is an unspecialised cell that can divide and make new types of cell.

What does it mean when a stem cell differentiates?

It changes into a specialised cell with a specific job, like a nerve cell.

Where are embryonic stem cells taken from?

They come from very early embryos, only a few days after fertilisation.

Why are embryonic stem cells useful in medicine?

They can turn into almost any type of body cell to replace damaged cells.

Where in the body are adult stem cells found?

They are found in some tissues, such as bone marrow and skin.

How are adult stem cells different from embryonic stem cells?

Adult stem cells can make only a few types of cell; embryonic stem cells can make many.

Give one example of how stem cells could treat a disease.

Stem cells from bone marrow can replace faulty blood cells in people with leukaemia.

What is one medical risk of using stem cell treatments?

The cells might grow out of control and form a tumour, which is a type of cancer.

Why do some people object to using embryonic stem cells?

Using them destroys the embryo, and some people believe the embryo has a right to life.

Where in a plant are stem cells found, and what is their role?

They are in meristems at root and shoot tips, where they make new cells for growth.