BIO 3.2 Stem Cells and Cellular Differentiation Flashcards
Stem Cells
Stem cells can differentiate into many different cell types.
They divide into daughter cells, each able to develop into a different type of cell, based on which parts of its DNA are switched on.
Significance of stem cells to medical research
Tissue Stem Cell Transplantation (cord blood and bone marrow) can be effective at treating diseases such as leukemia.
Banking the blood in the umbilical cord following birth may be a good idea for new parents. If their child were to develop a blood disease in the future; this rich source of stem cells can help treat it.
Regeneration and Tissue Engineering
Tissue v.s Embryonic stem cells
TISSUE STEM CELLS can only differentiate into specific tissue type cells. Replenish tissues throughout our life.
EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS can differentiate into any type of cell. Available only in early development (embryo).
