GCSE Biology · Edexcel 1BI0 · Topic 2B
Growth and stem cells
Key points
- Growth involves cell division, cell differentiation and, in plants, cell elongation.
- Differentiation is when a cell becomes specialised for a job. Most animal cells differentiate early; many plant cells keep the ability throughout life.
- Plants grow at meristems (tips of roots and shoots), which contain stem cells that can become any plant cell.
- Embryonic stem cells can become almost any cell type; adult stem cells (e.g. in bone marrow) can become only a few types.
- Possible uses: replacing damaged cells (e.g. in some blood disorders). Risks: cells could be rejected, carry viruses or divide uncontrollably and form tumours. Ethical concerns surround using embryos.
- Percentile charts compare a child's height or mass with others of the same age; e.g. the 75th percentile means 75% of children are smaller.
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Growing means more than getting bigger: cells must divide, and many must also become specialised. This sub-topic compares growth in plants and animals, shows how growth is monitored with percentile charts, and weighs up the uses and risks…
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