Embryonic and tissue stem cells

Question 1

Describe how a cell can be ‘pluripotent’

Answer 1

Cells in the very early embryo can differentiate into all the cell types that make up the organism and are so pluripotent.

Question 2

Describe the therapeutic uses of stem cells.

Answer 2

• the therapeutic uses of stem cells should be exemplified by how they are used in the corneal repair and the regeneration of damaged skin.
• Therapeutic uses involve also the repair of damaged or diseased organs or tissues.
• Stem cells from the embryo can self-renew, under the right conditions, in the lab.

Question 3

Describe research uses of stem cells.

Answer 3

• research uses involve stem cells being used as model cells to study for drug testing.
• stem cell research provides information on how cell processes such as cell growth, differentiation and gene regulation work.

Question 4

the ethical issues of using stem cells

Answer 4

use of embryonic stem cells can offer effective treatment for disease and injury: however, it involves destruction of embryos.