Stem Cells Flashcards
What is a stem cell?
An unspecialised cell which has no job.
Why are stem cells special?
Ability to differentiate into any specialised cell.
They multiply easily.
What are the two types of stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells
Adult stem cells
What are embryonic stem cells?
They come from human embryos
What are adult stem cells
These cells come from bone marrow and umbilical cords.
What are the pros for embryonic stem cells?
Suing better than easing them, painless, can turn into any type of cell.
What are pros for adult stem cells?
No ethical issues, quick recovery time, relatively safe
What are cons of embryonic stem cells.
Death of embryo, unreliable can lead to complications like cancer
What are the cons for adult stem cells
Operation hazard I.e infection, painful, inability to differentiate into many cell types.
What can stem cells be used for?
Replace damaged cells of the spinal cord to cure paralysis.
Replace faulty cells in the pancreas to cure type 1 diabetes.
Why are stem cells unreliable?
Stem cells can continue to multiply uncontrollably which leads to cancer.
Collecting and growing stem cells are expensive.
What is differentiation?
When an unspecialised cell becomes a specialised cell.
