Stem cells divide constantly, when they stop dividing, they enter the G0 phase. Why would they stop dividing?
Stem cells need to constantly divide, they stop dividing when thy become specialised
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Why do stem cells need to constantly divide?
Because there is a high demand for more cells in our body and stem cells is where we get them from. We need more cells for growth, development and tissue repair.
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Why is stem cell division controlled so much?
Too slow- Cant keep up with demands and cells aren't efficiently replaced, which results in ageing. Too fast- Tumours which could lead to cancer
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What is potency?
The stem cells ability to differentiate into different types of cells- the more potent, the more cell types it can differentiate into
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What are totipotent stem cell?
Stem cells that can differentiate into any cell type
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What are pluripotent stem cells?
Stem cells that can form all tissue types but NOT whole organs
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What are multipotent stem cells?
Stemcells that can only differentiate into a range of cells within a certain tissue
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Why are stem cells essential in terms of blood cell production?
Erythrocytes and neutrophils have very short life spans so they constantly need to be replace by stem cells in the bone marrow
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Name 2 sources of animal stem cells
Embryonic stem cells (found in embryo) and adult tissue stem cells (found in bone marrow- only multipotent- and found in umbilical cord)
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Name a source of plant stem cells
Meristematic tissue (found in the tips of growing roots and shoots) also in the vascular bundle (called the vascular cambium) where it provides stem cells for the xylem and phloem so the vascular bundle can grow with the plant.
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Name some diseases that have the potential to be treated by stem cells
Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, type 1 diabetes, heart disease
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Name some current uses of stem cells
Burn treatments, drug trials (testing drugs on the cells)
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Discuss the ethics involved with stem cell research
Embryonic stem cells are totipotent which is the best stem cells to work with. However, it destroys the embryos and some consider this murder and the embryo doesn't give consent o have any rights. This restricts the research.
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Front
Stem cells divide constantly, when they stop dividing, they enter the G0 phase. Why would they stop dividing?
Back
Stem cells need to constantly divide, they stop dividing when thy become specialised
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