CB2D Stem Cells Flashcards
What are stem cells
Cells that are unspecialised and capable of differentiating into a range of different cell types
What are embryonic stem cells
Stem cells found in very early embryos that are unspecialised and capable of differentiating into any cell type
What is the function of embryonic stem cells
Enable the growth and development of tissues in human embryos
What are adult stem cells
Stem cells that can differentiate into a limited range of cell types e.g bone marrow stem cells
What is the primary function of adult stem cells
Replacement of dead cells e.g replacement of red blood cells which only live for 120 days
Where are stem cells found in plants
Meristems
Where is meristem tissue found
In regions of the plant where cells are continuosly dividing e.g root tips, shoot tips
What are meristematic stem cells
Stem cells found in meristem that are unspecialised and capable of differentiating into any cell type during the life of a plant
How can stem cells be used in medicine
Stem cells collected
Stem cells stimulated to differentiate into specific cell types e.g heart muscle cells
Specialised cells transplanted into the patient
Used to treat damage or disease e.g heart disease
Where can embryonic stem cells be collected from (2)
Donor stem cells removed from embryos grown in vitro
Patient’s own stem cells remoed from the umbilical blood before birth
What are the benefits of using stem cells in medicine (4)
Treat damage or disease e.g heart disease, type 1 diabetes
Treat diseases that would otherwise be untreatable
Used in scientific reasearch
Growing organs for transplants
What are the risks of stem cell use in medicine (6)
Transplanted stem cells could cause tumours
Finding suitable stem cell donors is a difficult task
Stem cells may be rejected by the body (immunosuppressants taken)
Potential side effects
Long term risks of using stem cells unknown
Stem cells may become contaminated during preparation and when transplanted transmit infections to the patient, making them sicker
What are the ethical issues related to the use of stem cells in medicine (2)
The embryos that were used to provide stem cells are destroyed which is seen as unethical and a waste of potential human life
May lead to the reproductive cloning of humans
