Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

38. Animal Form and Function

Animal Tissues

General Biology

38. Animal Form and Function

Animal Tissues

Previous problemNext problem

2:36 minutes

Problem 8

Textbook Question

Human embryonic stem cells are capable of forming all types of cells in the human body. How are these cells similar to meristem cells in plants?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of human embryonic stem cells: These are pluripotent cells, meaning they have the ability to differentiate into any cell type in the human body. They are essential for development and tissue repair.

Learn about meristem cells in plants: Meristem cells are undifferentiated cells found in specific regions of plants, such as the tips of roots and shoots. They are responsible for plant growth and can differentiate into various specialized plant cell types.

Compare the differentiation potential: Both human embryonic stem cells and meristem cells are capable of dividing and differentiating into specialized cells. This ability is crucial for growth and development in both humans and plants.

Examine the role in development: Human embryonic stem cells contribute to the formation of tissues and organs during embryonic development, while meristem cells enable plants to grow new tissues, such as leaves, stems, and roots, throughout their life cycle.

Highlight the shared characteristic of self-renewal: Both types of cells can undergo self-renewal, meaning they can divide to produce more undifferentiated cells, ensuring a continuous supply for growth and repair processes.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with the unique ability to develop into various cell types. In humans, embryonic stem cells can give rise to all cell types, making them pluripotent. This characteristic is crucial for development and potential therapeutic applications, as they can regenerate damaged tissues.

Meristem Cells

Meristem cells are the plant equivalent of stem cells, found in specific regions of growth such as the tips of roots and shoots. These cells are also undifferentiated and can divide indefinitely, allowing plants to grow and develop new tissues throughout their life. Meristematic activity is essential for plant growth and regeneration.

Pluripotency vs. Totipotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a stem cell to differentiate into nearly all cell types, while totipotency is the capacity to form an entire organism, including extra-embryonic tissues. Human embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, similar to how certain meristem cells can give rise to various plant tissues, highlighting a functional similarity in their roles in growth and development.