Animal Stem Cells Flashcards
All 6 cards in this deck
What is a stem cell?
An unspecialised cell that can divide to produce more cells that differentiate into specialised cells.
What does 'differentiation' mean?
The process by which a cell becomes specialised for a particular function.
e.g. a stem cell becoming a nerve cellWhat is the function of embryonic stem cells?
They divide by mitosis and can differentiate into any type of cell in the body, forming all the tissues of the embryo.
Where are adult stem cells found in humans, and what is their function?
In bone marrow (and other tissues); they divide to replace damaged or worn-out cells, such as blood cells.
True or false? Adult stem cells can differentiate into any type of cell in the body.
False. Only embryonic stem cells can form any cell type; adult stem cells differentiate into a limited range, e.g. bone marrow stem cells form blood cells.
What are the steps by which stem cells produce the specialised cells of an embryo?
e.g. producing nerve cells- The stem cells divide by mitosis to make more cells.
- The new cells differentiate to become specialised.
- The specialised cells (e.g. nerve cells) form tissues and organs.