Stem cells

Question 1

what are stem cells?

Answer 1

they are unspecialised cells which have the potential to become many different cell types

Question 2

what are they required for?

Answer 2

growth and repair of damaged tissues and organs

Question 3

self renew?

Answer 3

this means they can divide to remain as unspecialised stem cells

Question 4

differentiate?

Answer 4

to become many different specialised cell types

Question 5

what are the two main types of stem cell?

Answer 5

embryonic and tissue

Question 6

embryonic stem cells

Answer 6

obtained from embryos at a very early stage. can specialise to become all cell types.

Question 7

tissue stem cells

Answer 7

found at different sites in the body throughout life. can only turn into a few different cell types.

Question 8

current uses of stem cells

Answer 8

used to study cells and how diseases develop. are also used to treat some diseases.

Question 9

potential uses of stem cells

Answer 9

grow new nerve cells to treat Alzheimer’s disease. grow new insulin producing cells to treat diabetes. grow new organs to stop the need for donations

Question 10

positive of stem cells

Answer 10

they have the potential to treat currently untreatable diseases

Question 11

negatives of stem cells

Answer 11

producing embryonic stem cells involved the destruction of an embryo. there are safety concerns about the use of stem cells