Practice Question

1.Define the term stem cell

A stem cell is an undifferentiated cell which can produce more cells of the same type, and from which certain specialised cells can form due to  differentiation.

2.Name the two main types of animal stem cells.

Embryonic stem cells

Adult stem cells

3. Explain how the two types of stem cell named in question 2 are different.

Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into most cell types. 

Adult stem cells can only differentiate into a limited number of cell types.

4. Plants contain stem cells. Name the tissue that contains these stem cells.

Meristem tissue

 5. Therapeutic cloning is used to produce pancreatic tissue for treating diabetes. Explain the advantage of using this method.

Using therapeutic cloning means that the tissue produced will contain cells that are gentetically identical to those of the patient. This will mean that the immune system will not reject the transplanted tissue.