Embryonic Stem Cells Flashcards

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What is an embryonic stem cell?

It is a cell from an early embryo that can become many different types of body cell.

From where are embryonic stem cells usually taken?

They are usually taken from very early embryos made in fertility treatment, such as IVF.

What does it mean when we say embryonic stem cells are unspecialised?

They do not have a special job yet and have not developed the features of a particular type of cell.

What can embryonic stem cells do that most body cells cannot?

They can keep dividing to make more stem cells and can change into many different types of cell.

What name is given to the process when embryonic stem cells change into specialised cells?

The process is called differentiation.

Why can embryonic stem cells form many different types of cell?

Because they have not yet specialised, so they can develop into almost any type of cell in the body.

At what stage of development are embryonic stem cells present in large numbers?

They are present in large numbers in the very early embryo, before the cells have specialised.

Why are embryonic stem cells useful for scientific research?

They let scientists study how cells divide and specialise during early human development.

How long can embryonic stem cells keep dividing in the right conditions?

They can divide many times over a long period, making large numbers of new cells in the lab.

What is one difference between an embryonic stem cell and a normal skin cell?

An embryonic stem cell can become many different cell types, but a skin cell can only make more skin cells.