Stem Cells
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 17.2.2
Stem Cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells not yet specialised to do a specific function. Stem cells can create more stem cells or differentiate (become a different body cell) for another function.
Embryos
- The stem cells in embryos can differentiate into most cell types.
- So the stem cells 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.
- Adult stem cells 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 differentiation allows plants to grow for their whole lives.
Test yourself on Stem Cells
What makes plant stem cells different from human stem cells found in bone marrow?