Name _________________________________ Period _____ Date _______________________
Genetics Technology Stem Cells Worksheet
Directions: Access the internet and type http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/
Click on the link to “What is a stem cell?”, answer the following questions in a complete sentence, and watch the
animations as you go through the steps.
1. What is a stem cell?
2. How and when do stem cells know what to become?
When you get to the phone booth dial #1! Skin cells and view the animations as you answer the questions.
3. How often do skin cells’ “numbers get dialed”?
4. What are the four steps a stem cell goes through to become a keratinocyte?
Now click on the tab “back to booth.” When you get to the phone booth dial #3! Red Blood Cell and view the
animations as you answer the questions.
5. How often does the body make red blood cells?
6. What are the red blood cell factories?
7. What is hemoglobin?
Now click on the tab “back to booth.” When you get to the phone booth dial #5! Skeletal Muscle Cell and view
the animations as you answer the questions.
8. What is the relationship between a myoblast and a myotube?
9. When are myoblasts most active?
Now go back to the main stem cell page: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/
Click on the link “What are some different types of stem cells?” Answer the following questions in a complete
sentence.
10. Define Totipotent.
11. What is formed seven days after fertilization?
12. Define Pluripotent.
13. Are embryonic stems cells the same as fetal stem cells?
14. What kind of stem cells are present in umbilical cords?
Now take the “Lab Coat Quiz!”
15. Some stem cells can turn into MOST kinds of cell in the body, but they can’t become every kind. Which kind of
stem cells are they?
16. Other stem cells can differentiate into ANY kind of cells in the body. Which kind of stem cells are they?
17. Other stem cells can differentiate only into a RESTRICTED RANGE of cell types. Which type of stem cells are
they?
At the end of the quiz click on “Next, let’s find out why researchers study them in the laboratory (Go to the
next section)”.
18. What is the goal of stem cell therapy?
19. What are six health problems that might be treated by stem cells?
Now go back to the main stem cell page: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/
Click on the link “Stem cell therapies today” Answer the following questions in a complete sentence.
20. What are the three stem cell therapies routinely used today?
21. Can scientists grow human organs in lab dishes? Explain your answer.