2.8 and 2.9 - Stem Cells in Embryos, Animals and Plants and Benefits/Risks of their Use in Medicine Flashcards
What is a stem cell?
A stem cell is an undifferentiated cell which can undergo division to produce many more similar cells, of which some will differentiate to have different functions.
What are embryonic stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells form when an egg and sperm cell fuse to form a zygote. They can differentiate into any type of cell in the body.
What can scientists do with embryonic stem cells?
Scientists can clone these cells and direct them to differentiate into almost any cell in the body.
What are potential uses for embryonic stem cells?
They could potentially be used to replace insulin-producing cells in diabetes, new neural cells for Alzheimer’s, or nerve cells for spinal cord injuries.
What are adult stem cells?
Adult stem cells, if found in bone marrow, can form many types of cells including blood cells.
What are meristems in plants?
Meristems are found in root and shoot tips and can differentiate into any type of plant throughout the life of the plant.
How can meristems be used?
They can be used to make clones of the plant, which may be necessary for desirable features, research, or to save a rare plant from extinction.
What is therapeutic cloning?
Therapeutic cloning involves producing an embryo with the same genes as the patient.
What can be done with the embryo produced in therapeutic cloning?
The embryo can be harvested to obtain embryonic stem cells, which could be grown into any cells the patient needs, such as new tissues or organs.
What is the advantage of using stem cells from therapeutic cloning?
The advantage is that they would not be rejected as they would have the exact same genetic make-up as the individual.
What is a benefit of using stem cells?
Can be used to replace damaged or diseased body parts.
What is a problem related to controlling stem cells?
We do not completely understand the process of differentiation, so it is hard to control stem cells to form the cells we desire.
How can unwanted embryos from fertility clinics be utilized?
Unwanted embryos from fertility clinics could be used as they would otherwise be discarded.
What is a consequence of removing stem cells from embryos?
Removal of stem cells results in destruction of the embryo.
What is a benefit of researching stem cells?
Research into the process of differentiation.
What ethical concerns are associated with stem cell research?
People may have religious or ethical objections as it is seen as interference with the natural process of reproduction.
What risk is associated with contaminated growing stem cells?
If the growing stem cells are contaminated with a virus, an infection can be transferred to the individual.
What is a criticism regarding the allocation of resources for stem cell research?
Money and time could be better spent on other areas of medicine.
