The diagram below represents an embryo in the early stages of development and identifies the inner cell mass which is made up of stem cells - Scottish Highers Human Biology - Question 1 - 2015
Question 1
The diagram below represents an embryo in the early stages of development and identifies the inner cell mass which is made up of stem cells.
(a) State one feature o... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram below represents an embryo in the early stages of development and identifies the inner cell mass which is made up of stem cells - Scottish Highers Human Biology - Question 1 - 2015
Step 1
State one feature of stem cells.
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Answer
Stem cells are relatively unspecialised cells that can undergo repeated division.
Step 2
Explain how the function of tissue stem cells differs from that of the stem cells found in the inner cell mass of an embryo.
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Answer
Embryonic stem cells, or the cells in the inner cell mass, are totipotent or pluripotent, meaning they can differentiate into any cell type within the body. In contrast, tissue stem cells have a more limited repertoire and can only form specific cell types, meaning their potential to differentiate is constrained to certain tissues.
Step 3
Suggest how this might be done.
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Tissue stem cells could be cultured and then transplanted into the area of damaged muscle tissue, where they could differentiate into the necessary muscle cells, effectively repairing the damage.
Step 4
State how stem cells can be used as model cells in medical research.
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Stem cells can be used to study diseases or cancer and can also serve as models for drug testing and treatment options.
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