B1- Stem Cells Flashcards
What are stem cells?
Undifferentiated cells that can divide to produce more undifferentiated cells and can differentiate into specialized cells
Stem cells have significant potential in medicine and research due to their ability to become various cell types.
What is differentiation?
The process by which a cell changes to become specialized for its job
Differentiation is essential for the development of various cell types from stem cells.
Where are embryonic stem cells found?
In early human embryos
Embryonic stem cells can turn into any type of cell, making them valuable for research.
What types of stem cells are found in adults?
Adult stem cells are found in certain places, like bone marrow
Unlike embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells can only differentiate into certain types of cells, such as blood cells.
What is therapeutic cloning?
A type of cloning where an embryo is made to have the same genetic information as the patient
This approach aims to produce stem cells that would not be rejected by the patient’s body.
What are some potential uses of embryonic stem cells in medicine?
- Replace faulty cells in sick people
- Create insulin-producing cells for diabetics
- Generate nerve cells for spinal injury patients
These applications highlight the therapeutic potential of embryonic stem cells.
What are some risks associated with using stem cells in medicine?
Stem cells grown in the lab may become contaminated with a virus
This contamination could be passed on to patients, potentially worsening their condition.
Why are some people against stem cell research?
They believe human embryos should not be used for experiments
The ethical debate centers around the potential human life represented by embryos.
What do proponents of stem cell research argue?
Curing existing patients who are suffering is more important than the rights of embryos
They point out that many embryos used in research are typically unwanted ones from fertility clinics.
What is the stance of campaigners for the rights of embryos regarding stem cell research?
They advocate for finding and developing other sources of stem cells
This would allow for medical advancements without using embryos.
In which countries is stem cell research banned?
Some countries have banned stem cell research
In the UK, stem cell research is allowed under strict guidelines.
Where are plant stem cells found?
In the meristems of plants
Meristems are the regions where growth occurs and contain stem cells that can differentiate into any type of plant cell.
What are the benefits of using plant stem cells?
- Produce clones of whole plants quickly and cheaply
- Grow more plants of rare species
- Grow crops of identical plants with desired features
These advantages highlight the agricultural potential of plant stem cells.
Fill in the blank: Stem cells from embryos and bone marrow can be grown in a lab to produce _______.
[genetically identical cells]
These clones can be differentiated into specialized cells for use in medicine or research.
