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GCSE Biology · key term
A stem cell found in a developed body that normally produces a limited range of related cell types.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification 4.1.2.3 · Paper 1
A stem cell retained in a mature animal; adult stem cells in bone marrow can form many cell types, including blood cells.
Revise: Types and Functions of Stem CellsAnimals retain some stem cells after embryonic development. These adult stem cells are found in certain tissues and provide new cells of particular kinds.
Specification 2.8, 2.9 · Paper 1
An unspecialised cell retained in a developed animal that usually produces a limited range of related specialised cells.
Revise: Stem CellsAs an animal develops, most cells become specialised, but some unspecialised cells remain. These are often called adult stem cells, although they are also present before adulthood.
Specification B2.1f, B6.3v · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)
A stem cell retained in developed animal tissues that can usually differentiate into only a restricted range of related cell types.
Revise: Embryonic vs adult stem cellsAs an animal develops, some cells remain unspecialised in its tissues. These are called adult stem cells. Here, “adult” distinguishes them from embryonic stem cells; it does not mean that they are found only in old animals.
A stem cell found in a developed body that normally differentiates into a limited range of related cell types.
Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)
An unspecialised cell retained in an adult animal that can produce many, but not all, types of specialised cell.
Revise: Stem CellsAdult stem cells provide new cells as old cells wear out or tissue is damaged. They can divide and produce specialised cells, but their range is more limited than that of embryonic stem cells: they can become many types of cell, not every type. For example, stem cells in bone marrow produce new blood cells.
A stem cell found in certain tissues of a developed body that can usually form a more limited range of specialised cells.
Keep the three sources distinct: embryonic stem cells can form essentially any body-cell type; adult stem cells usually form a limited range of related cells; meristems produce specialised plant cells.
When asked for a difference, compare the two types directly: embryonic stem cells come from early embryos and can form a much wider range of body-cell types, whereas adult stem cells remain in developed tissues and usually form a restricted range of related cells.
When comparing sources, remember that embryonic stem cells can form a wider range of specialised cells, whereas adult stem cells usually form a more limited range but raise fewer ethical objections.
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