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Ch. 39 - Animal Form and Function
Chapter 38, Problem 8

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?

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Identify the key properties of human embryonic stem cells: Human embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they have the ability to differentiate into any type of cell in the human body.
Define meristem cells in plants: Meristem cells are undifferentiated cells in plants that are capable of continuous division and can differentiate into various types of plant cells.
Draw a comparison based on cell potency: Both human embryonic stem cells and meristem cells share the characteristic of being able to differentiate into multiple cell types, making them both pluripotent in their respective organisms.
Discuss the role in growth and development: In humans, embryonic stem cells are crucial during the developmental stages of life, forming various tissues and organs. Similarly, meristem cells contribute to the growth and development of plants by giving rise to new tissues, including leaves, flowers, and roots.
Highlight the significance in regenerative biology and agriculture: Both types of cells are studied for their potential in regenerative medicine and agricultural enhancements, respectively, due to their ability to regenerate and form new structures.

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Key Concepts

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

Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into various cell types. In humans, embryonic stem cells can give rise to all cell types in the body, making them pluripotent. This unique ability is crucial for development and tissue regeneration, as they can differentiate into specialized cells when needed.
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Meristem Cells

Meristem cells are a type of stem cell found in plants, located in regions of growth such as the tips of roots and shoots. These cells are also undifferentiated and can divide indefinitely, giving rise to various plant tissues. Like embryonic stem cells, meristem cells are essential for growth and development, allowing plants to produce new leaves, flowers, and roots.
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Pluripotency vs. Totipotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a stem cell to differentiate into nearly all cell types, while totipotency is the ability to form an entire organism, including extra-embryonic tissues. Human embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, whereas the zygote is totipotent. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the similarities and differences between human stem cells and plant meristem cells in their roles in growth and development.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

For each of the following, explain how structure relates to function: absorptive sections of the digestive tract; capillaries; beaks of Galápagos finches; fish gills.

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Textbook Question

The metabolic rate of a frog in summer (at 35°C) is about eight times higher than in winter (at 5°C). Compare and contrast the frog's ability to move, exchange gases, and digest food at the two temperatures. During which season will the frog require more food energy, and why?

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Textbook Question

Explain why most endotherms are homeothermic and most ectotherms are poikilothermic.

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Open Question

a. Consider three spheres with radii of 1 cm, 5 cm, and 10 cm. Based on what you read in the chapter, predict which sphere will have the highest surface area to volume ratio, and which sphere will have the lowest.

b. Next, calculate the surface area and the volume of each sphere. (Surface area of a sphere=4𝜋𝑟2; volume of a sphere=(4/3)𝜋𝑟3.) Plot the results on a graph with radius on the 𝑥-axis and surface area and volume on the 𝑦-axis.

c. Which sphere has the highest surface area to volume ratio? The lowest? Explain how the graph shows the relationship between size and surface area to volume ratio.

d. Now imagine that these spheres represent a small, medium, and large endothermic animal. Which animal would lose heat most rapidly? Explain using the surface area to volume ratio.

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Textbook Question

Explain why it would be impossible for a gorilla the size of King Kong to have fur. (Your answer should explain how the surface area to volume ratio of a normal-sized gorilla would compare to Kong's; relate this to the role of surface area and volume in heat generation and heat transfer, and consider the function of fur.)

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Textbook Question

The dinosaur Apatosaurus (Brontosaurus) is one of the largest terrestrial animals that ever lived—over 20 m in length and weighing over 20 metric tons. Is it more likely that Apatosaurus was homeothermic or poikilothermic? Explain.

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