Interactive Cell Model Microscope Imaging Station. Stem Cells: Cells with Potential. What are stem cells? Your body contains over 200 types of cells, each with a specific job: blood cells carry oxygen; muscle cells contract so that you can move; nerve cells transmit chemical signals. The job of a stem cell is to make new cells. It does this by undergoing an amazing process—differentiating, or changing into another type of cell. Each time a stem cell divides, one of the new cells might remain a stem cell while the other turns into a heart, blood, brain, or other type of cell. In fact, stem cells are able to divide to replenish themselves and other cells without any apparent limit. Stem cells are the source, or “stem,” for all of the specialized cells that form our organs and tissues. Next: Why invest so much in studying stem cells?
Living/Non-living Things and the Seven Characteristics of Living Things Living and Non-living Things Living Things We are surrounded by living and non-living things. All animals and plants are living things and biology is the study of these living things. Sometimes it is not so easy to decide. Some non-living things show one or two of the seven characteristics of living things. Crystals, such as ice crystals forming on a window, grow bigger if the conditions are right. Non-living things Sand, wood and glass are all non-living things. The second group are those which were once part of living things. The Seven Characteristics of Living Things Feeding All living organisms need to take substances from their environment to obtain energy, to grow and to stay healthy. Movement All living organisms show movement of one kind or another. Breathing or Respiration All living things exchange gases with their environment. Excretion Excretion is the removal of waste from the body. Growth When living things feed they gain energy. Sensitivity Reproduction
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