Animal, plants and fungi made of more than one cell.

Cells with adaptations to carry out a particular function in a multicellular organism.

Cell with no specific function, but has the capability to turn into different types of cells.

The process of an unspecialised cell becoming a specialised one through the mechanism of turning genes on and off.

A short section of DNA that carries the genetic code to produce a protein.

Specialised cells, unspecialised cells and differentiation

Combined science

Stem cells in animals

Meristem cells in plants

Using stem cells in medicine: potential benefits, risks and ethical issues

Pupils will learn about the roles of hormones in human reproduction, including control of the menstrual cycle, and other uses of hormones such as in in contraception.

Pupils learned about growth through cell division, mitosis as part of the cell cycle, cancer as the result of changes in cells that lead to uncontrolled growth and division, and the formation of gametes by meiosis.

This unit explores the function of stem cells and the importance of cell differentiation. It discusses the benefits and risks of stem cell use in medicine, evaluates applications of science, and considers the personal, social, economic, and environmental implications of scientific decisions.

Stem cells and differentiation

Formed from a zygote by cell division; it is the early stages of development.

A cell with no specific function, but has the capability to turn into different types of cells.

A cell from an embryo which can differentiate into any type of cell.

The process of an unspecialised cell becoming specialised through the mechanism of turning genes on and off.

unspecialised cells that undergo mitosis and can differentiate into any type of plant cell

where new plant growth occurs above the ground

where new plant growth occurs underground

a plant tissue that transports water upwards through the plant

a plant tissue that transports sugars through the plant

A cell taken from the embryo that can differentiate into any type of specialised cell.

A cell found in specific regions of the body that can differentiate into a limited number of related specialised cells.

A differentiated cell that is adapted to carry out a particular function.

When a patient’s immune system attacks non-self cells (e.g. transplants).

An ethical issue relates to whether an action and its consequences are right or wrong.

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Stem cells and differentiation

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