Stem Cells
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 1.2.4
Stem Cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have not yet specialised to perform a specific function. They can create more stem cells or differentiate (become another type of body cell) to perform a function. Stem cells can be found in:
Embryos
- The stem cells in embryos can differentiate into most cell types, to produce all of the cell types that will make up the organism.
Bone marrow
- In human adults, stem cells can be found in bone marrow (as well as other tissues and organs).
- Adult stem cells differentiate into fewer cell types than stem cells in embryos. They are used to replace dying cells and damaged tissues.
Plant meristems
- Plant stem cells are found in the meristem tissue.
- Plant stem cells can differentiate into all types of plant cell throughout the life of the plant. This allows plants to grow for their whole lives.
Test yourself on Stem Cells
How can stem cells in an embryo produce every type of cell needed to build an organism?
Why can plants keep growing throughout their entire lives?
Why can embryonic stem cells build every cell type in a new organism, but adult stem cells in bone marrow cannot?