Stem cells Flashcards – AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Biology — Foundation

What are stem cells?

Unspecialised cells that divide by mitosis.

What can stem cell daughter cells become?

Cells specialised for specific functions.

How does the genetic information in stem cell daughter cells compare with that of the parent cell?

They retain the same genetic information.

What role do embryonic stem cells play in an embryo?

They contribute to its growth and development.

What can cloned embryonic stem cells be made to differentiate into?

Most types of human cell.

What role do adult stem cells play in the body?

They provide new cells in particular tissues.

What types of cells can bone marrow stem cells form?

Several cell types, including blood cells.

How does the differentiation range of adult stem cells compare with that of embryonic stem cells?

Adult stem cells generally have a more limited range of differentiation.

What is a plant meristem?

A region of plant tissue containing stem cells that divide and can differentiate into any type of plant cell throughout the plant’s life.

How do meristem stem cells support plant growth?

They supply new cells through division.

What are the advantages of using meristem stem cells to clone plants?

They can produce clones quickly and economically.

How can plant cloning help protect rare species?

It can help protect them from extinction.

Why is plant cloning useful for producing crops?

It can produce large numbers of identical plants with desirable features, such as disease resistance.