Stem Cells in Animals › Revision notes
Stem Cells in Animals — Revision notes
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Quick recap
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Brain dump
Before you look at anything else, write down everything you can remember about this lesson: key words, facts, examples. Spelling doesn't matter. Then see which of the 8 key terms you remembered.
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Ones you missed. Read these, then try again tomorrow:
Key terms
- Stem cells
- Unspecialized cells that have the ability to divide and differentiate into various types of specialized cells
- Zygote
- A single, unspecialized cell formed when a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell during fertilization
- Embryonic stem cells
- Master stem cells found in early embryos with unlimited potential to become any type of cell in the body
- Differentiation
- The process where an unspecialized stem cell changes into a specialized cell with a specific function by switching genes on or off
- Adult stem cells
- Unspecialized cells found in specific regions of children and adults that can only differentiate into a limited number of related cell types
- Mitosis
- The process of cell division where one cell splits into two identical copies
- Bone marrow
- The soft, jelly-like living tissue inside bones packed with stem cells that constantly produce new blood cells
- Induced stem cells
- Specialized cells, such as skin cells, chemically treated to switch back on genes that were turned off, making them behave like stem cells again
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What this lesson covers
How well do you know each one? Be honest: red means go back over it.
- Explain what a stem cell is and why it is described as unspecialised
- Describe how a zygote divides by mitosis to form an embryo
- Explain what differentiation is and how genes control it
- Compare embryonic stem cells with adult stem cells
- Describe where adult stem cells are found and the two jobs they do
- Explain how stem cells are used in medicine, including bone marrow transplants
Test yourself
Cover the answer, say it out loud, then check the full quiz on the lesson page.
- What do we call the single cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg?
- Which of these is TRUE about adult stem cells?
- What process do adult stem cells use to make more stem cells?
Topic quiz
13 questions on this topic only — not mixed with anything else, one at a time.
Question 1 of 13
Score: 0 out of 13
Spelling challenge
Read the definition, then type the correct spelling of the term. Uses the same terms as above.
Score: 0/0