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.

Stem cells in animals

Combined science

Specialised cells, unspecialised cells and differentiation

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

True or false? Embryo cells are unspecialised and can become any type of specialised cell.

Cells that remain unspecialised in an organism are called {{}} stem cells.

What can adult stem cells found in bone marrow **not** differentiate into?

By what process do adult stem cells renew?

Sofia: Specialised cells cannot change back into stem cells.

Laura: Only embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any type of cell.

Izzy: All genes are turned on in all cells.

Andeep: Specialised cells divide by mitosis to produce cells of the same type.

What is the name of the process by which cells become specialised?

How are multicellular organisms organised?

Put the following in order starting with the smallest.

True or false? When a cell such as a muscle cell divides by mitosis, stem cells are produced.

Alex: All cells were originally a stem cell.

Izzy: All stem cells can become any cell.

Sam: Cells become specialised by genes being switched on and off.

True or false? Only animals have specialised cells.

Starter Quiz

How are multicellular organisms organised?