3.4.2 - Stem Cells In Medicine

Question 1

Describe Stem Cells In Medicine
(3 Points)

Answer 1

~ Have the potential to replace damaged tissues and cells making them valuable.

~ E.g. Leukaemia -> Bone marrow stem cell transplants to replace destroyed bone marrow.

~ Scientists are still researching the use of stem cells as a treatment for lots of conditions.

Question 2

What Are The 2 Potential Sources For Human Stem Cells?

Answer 2

~ Embryonic stem cells.

~ Adult stem cells.

Question 3

Describe Embryonic Stem Cells
(7 Points)

Answer 3

~ Obtained from early embryos.

~ Can develop into all types of specialised cells -> Lots of medical potential.

~ Banned in -> USA and some EU countries.

~ UK -> Use is tightly regulated.

~ Can be totipotent (If taken in the first 3-4 days after fertilisation) or pluripotent (If taken on day 5).

~ After day 5 stem cells are removed and the rest of the embryo is destroyed.

~ Embryos used for research are often the waste embryos from IVF treatment, meaning they had the potential to grow into humans -> leads to ethical objections.

Question 4

Describe Adult Stem Cells
(5 Points)

Answer 4

~ Can divide unlimited times by mitosis -> only produce a limited range of cell types.

~ Found in body tissues, such as bone marrow and the brain.

~ Simple operation but can be uncomfortable -> donor gives CONSENT, numbed, needle inserted into the bone to remove bone marrow.

~ If they are being donated from on person to another -> need to be a close match in terms of blood type and antigens, otherwise rejection can take place -> immune system recognises it as foreign.

~ Ideally own patients stem cells are used to reduce the risk of rejection.

Question 5

Describe The Work Of Regulatory Authorities Of The Use Of Stem Cells
(5 Points)

Answer 5

~ Looking at the outcomes of the research and the deciding if it should continue.

~ Licensing and monitoring research centres.

~ Producing guidelines and codes of practise.

~ Monitoring developments in scientific research.

~ Providing professional bodies with up-to-date advice and information.