AQA · Biology · 8461
GCSE Biology: Stem cells
Cell biology · AQA GCSE Biology (8461), specification point 4.1.2.3. Cards are generated from the exam board's own specification for "Stem cells", and every card links back to the page it came from. Specification © AQA — used with attribution.
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Define a stem cell.
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An undifferentiated cell of an organism that can produce many more cells of the same type, and from which other cell types can arise by differentiation.
Where are stem cells found in plants?
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In the meristems (meristem tissue), e.g. root and shoot tips.
Into which cell types can embryonic stem cells differentiate?
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Most different types of human cell.
Where are stem cells found in adult animals?
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In bone marrow, where they can form many types of cells including blood cells.
How does the differentiation ability of plant meristem cells differ from adult animal stem cells?
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Meristem cells can differentiate into any type of plant cell throughout the plant's life; adult animal stem cells can only form a limited range of cell types.
Name two medical conditions that stem cell treatment may help.
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Diabetes and paralysis.
What is therapeutic cloning?
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Producing an embryo with the same genes as the patient, so that its stem cells can be used for medical treatment.
Why are stem cells from therapeutic cloning not rejected by the patient?
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The embryo has the same genes as the patient, so the cells are recognised as the body's own.
Give one medical risk of using stem cells in treatment.
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Transfer of viral infection to the patient.
Why do some people object to the use of embryonic stem cells?
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They have ethical or religious objections (e.g. to the destruction of embryos).
Stem cells from plant meristems can be used to produce ? of plants quickly and economically.
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clones
Give two benefits of cloning plants from meristem tissue.
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Rare species can be cloned to protect them from extinction, and crop plants with useful features (e.g. disease resistance) can be cloned in large numbers for farmers.
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