Stem Cells
Science: KS3, topic 1.1.17
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?
Choose the correct statement in each pair