Stem Cells Practice Questions

Which statement describes a stem cell?

A a specialised cell that cannot divide

B an unspecialised cell that can divide to produce cells that differentiate

C a cell that divides by meiosis to produce gametes

D a cell that has been reprogrammed to stop dividing

A stem cell in the bone marrow divides and the new cells become red blood cells.

Explain what is meant by the term differentiation.

Give one other place in the adult human body where stem cells are found.

Name the type of tissue found at X and Y.

Describe the function of this tissue in the plant.

A gardener cuts small pieces from the shoot tips of one plant and grows them into new plants.

Explain why the new plants are clones of the original plant.

Describe the function of the stem cells in the embryo.

Give one difference between an embryonic stem cell and a stem cell from adult bone marrow.

A patient with a blood disease is treated using stem cells taken from her own bone marrow.

Explain one advantage of using the patient's own stem cells rather than stem cells from a donor.

Explain how stem cells could be used to treat type 1 diabetes.

Give two risks to the patient of this treatment.

Explain one advantage of treating the child with their own stored stem cells rather than with stem cells from another person.

Explain why stem cells from umbilical cord blood are less useful than embryonic stem cells for treating a wide range of diseases.

Give one risk of the transplant procedure itself, other than rejection.

A man's spinal cord has been damaged in an accident and he is paralysed from the waist down. Doctors have offered him a place on a trial in which embryonic stem cells will be injected into his spinal cord in an attempt to replace the damaged nerve cells.

Discuss the benefits and the risks of using embryonic stem cells to treat this man.

Calculate the percentage of the patients injected with stem cells who developed a tumour.

The scientists want doctors to be allowed to use this treatment on all patients who have had a heart attack.

Evaluate the data in the table and give a supported judgement about whether the treatment should be allowed.