B2.3 Stem cells

Question 1

What are potential disadvantages of using plant clones in the agricultural industry?

Answer 1

• It is an expensive and labour intensive process.
• The process can fail due to microbial contamination.
• There is no genetic variation.
• All of the offspring are likely to get the same diseases or other environmental factors.

Question 2

Why are embryonic stem cells are more helpful for helping medical conditions?

Answer 2

Embryonic stem cells are more helpful for helping medical conditions as embryonic stem cells have the ability to create any cell type in the human body.

Question 3

What are the differences between embryonic and adult stem cells?

Answer 3

• EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS REQUIRES DESTRUCTION OF HUMAN EMBRYOS WHEREAS ADULT STEM CELLS DO NOT HARM THE DONOR.
• EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS COME FROM ANOTHER PERSON AND MAY BE REJECTED BY THE PATIENT’S BODY HOWEVER WITH ADULT STEM CELLS THEY COME FROM THE PATIENT’S OWN BODY AND WILL NOT BE REJECTED
• EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS MAY CAUSE TUMORS AT THE POINT OF INJECTION BUT WITH ADULT STEM CELLS HAVE SHOWN NO RISK FOR TUMOR FORMATION.

Question 4

Give 3 sources of stem cells

Answer 4

• Bone marrow​
• Plant meristems​
• Embryos

Question 5

Define a totipotent stem cell

Answer 5

A totipotent stem cell can divide into all cell types in an organism.

Question 6

Define a pluripotent stem cell

Answer 6

A pluripotent stem cell can divide into most, or all, cell types in an organism, but cannot develop into an entire organism on their own.

Question 7

Define a multipotent stem cell

Answer 7

A multipotent cell can develop into more than one cell type.

Question 8

What’s the difference between a stem cell and a normal body cell?

Answer 8

Stem cells have the ability to divide and replicate themselves for constant periods of time. However, body cells (such as muscle cells, blood cells, and nerve cells) cannot replicate themselves.

Question 9

State advantages of using stem cells to treat diseases.

Answer 9

Stem cells can divide to produce new cells, which can then divide into different cell types. and they can be used in all parts of the body.

Question 10

What diseases can stem cells cure?

Answer 10

Type 1 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, strokes, burns, and cancer