What is a stem cell?

A stem cell is an undifferentiated cell, capable of becoming any other type of cell.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What are the two main features of stems cells?

1They can divide by mitosis to form more cells

2They can differentiate into different types of specialised cell

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

Name four types of stem cell. 

  1. Totipotent stem cells 
  2. Pluripotent stem cells
  3. Multipotent stem cells
  4. Unipotent stem cells

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What is the difference between totipotent and pluripotent stem cells?

Totipotent stem cells can differentiate into any cell type and produce whole organisms, while pluripotent stem cells can only differentiate into most cell types and cannot form whole organisms. 

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What are multipotent stem cells?

Multipotent stem cells can only differentiate into a few different cell types. 

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

What do we call the plant tissues that are continually growing and contain stem cells?

Plant tissues that are continually growing and contain stem cells are called meristem tissues.


Meristem tissues are found in the tips of the roots and shoots.

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

Which types of stem cell are found in embryos? 

Totipotent stem cells are found in the early stages of embryos and pluripotent stem cells are found after the first week. 

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

Which types of stem cells are found in adults?

Adult tissues may contain multipotent and/or unipotent stem cells. 

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

How can stem cells be used to treat Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease?

Transplanted stem cells can help to regenerate nerve cells in the brain. 

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.

Give four uses of stem cells in research and medicine. 

  1. Treatment for certain diseases 
  2. Testing new drugs 
  3. Studying development of organisms 
  4. Identifying causes of disorders 

Answer in your head, out loud, or on paper, then tap the card to flip.