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11 Dec 2025

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Understanding Stem Cells: Key Insights for Students

R

RiceFarmer @ricefarmer_jhrs

Your body is constantly replacing old cells with new ones, but where do these replacement cells come from? ... Show more

Stem cells

What and where do stem cells come from?
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells. Stem cells can come from 3 places.
These 3 places

Stem cells Nature's Ultimate Shape-Shifters

Think of stem cells as the ultimate multitaskers in biology - they're undifferentiated cells that haven't yet decided what they want to be when they grow up. Unlike your skin cells or nerve cells that have specific jobs, stem cells are waiting for instructions to become whatever type of cell is needed.

There are three main sources where scientists can find these cellular superstars. Embryonic stem cells come from very early-stage embryos and are the most flexible - they can become absolutely any type of cell in the human body. However, getting these cells raises serious ethical issues since embryos cannot give consent, and they're also quite difficult to obtain.

Adult bone marrow stem cells are harvested from the spongy tissue inside your bones. Whilst the extraction process can be quite painful, recovery is relatively quick. These cells are more limited than embryonic ones - they can't transform into as many different cell types. The major advantage? Since they come from your own body, there's no risk of rejection, and adults can give proper consent for the procedure.

Quick Tip Remember the trade-off - embryonic stem cells are more versatile but ethically complicated, whilst adult stem cells are less flexible but ethically sound and won't be rejected by your body.

Finally, plant meristems work similarly in the plant world. Found between the tips of roots and shoots, these cells keep plants growing throughout their entire lives and can differentiate into any plant cell type. Scientists use meristems for cloning plants - brilliant for saving endangered species or producing crops for commercial sale.

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Stefan S

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

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Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

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Biology

187

11 Dec 2025

1 page

Understanding Stem Cells: Key Insights for Students

R

RiceFarmer

@ricefarmer_jhrs

Your body is constantly replacing old cells with new ones, but where do these replacement cells come from? Stem cellsare like biological "blank slates" that can transform into any type of cell your body needs - from brain cells... Show more

Stem cells

What and where do stem cells come from?
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells. Stem cells can come from 3 places.
These 3 places

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Stem cells: Nature's Ultimate Shape-Shifters

Think of stem cells as the ultimate multitaskers in biology - they're undifferentiated cells that haven't yet decided what they want to be when they grow up. Unlike your skin cells or nerve cells that have specific jobs, stem cells are waiting for instructions to become whatever type of cell is needed.

There are three main sources where scientists can find these cellular superstars. Embryonic stem cells come from very early-stage embryos and are the most flexible - they can become absolutely any type of cell in the human body. However, getting these cells raises serious ethical issues since embryos cannot give consent, and they're also quite difficult to obtain.

Adult bone marrow stem cells are harvested from the spongy tissue inside your bones. Whilst the extraction process can be quite painful, recovery is relatively quick. These cells are more limited than embryonic ones - they can't transform into as many different cell types. The major advantage? Since they come from your own body, there's no risk of rejection, and adults can give proper consent for the procedure.

Quick Tip: Remember the trade-off - embryonic stem cells are more versatile but ethically complicated, whilst adult stem cells are less flexible but ethically sound and won't be rejected by your body.

Finally, plant meristems work similarly in the plant world. Found between the tips of roots and shoots, these cells keep plants growing throughout their entire lives and can differentiate into any plant cell type. Scientists use meristems for cloning plants - brilliant for saving endangered species or producing crops for commercial sale.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

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Explore the essential components of cells, including the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts, along with their functions in living organisms. This summary covers key concepts such as cell types, stem cells, and the role of organ systems in biology. Ideal for GCSE Biology revision.

BiologyBiology
10

Stem Cells & Mitosis Overview

Explore the fundamentals of stem cells and mitosis in this comprehensive summary. Understand the differences between embryonic and adult stem cells, their applications in medicine, and the cell cycle stages including cytokinesis. This resource is essential for students studying cell biology and regenerative medicine.

BiologyBiology
11

Stem Cells & Cloning Insights

Explore the fundamentals of stem cells and therapeutic cloning, including their applications in medicine and plant biology. This summary covers the differentiation of stem cells, the process of therapeutic cloning, and the ethical considerations involved. Ideal for students studying cell biology and regenerative medicine.

BiologyBiology
9

Cell Biology Overview

Explore key concepts in Cell Biology for GCSE AQA Combined Science. This comprehensive mind map covers essential topics such as diffusion, osmosis, cell differentiation, and the cell cycle, providing a clear understanding of cellular structures and their functions. Ideal for revision and exam preparation.

BiologyBiology
10

Stem Cells in Biology

Explore the essential concepts of stem cells in AQA GCSE Biology, including their types, differentiation, and applications in medicine and agriculture. This summary covers embryonic and adult stem cells, therapeutic cloning, ethical considerations, and plant stem cells in meristems. Ideal for revision and understanding key biological processes.

BiologyBiology
10

Stem Cell Research Insights

Explore the complexities of stem cell research, including the ethical debates surrounding embryonic stem cells, their potential in medicine, and the differences between embryonic and adult stem cells. This summary covers key concepts such as differentiation, cloning, and the role of stem cells in treating diseases. Ideal for biology students studying cell biology (Topic B1).

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Most popular content in Biology

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Students love us — and so will you.

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

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Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user