Stem Cells

Question 1

what are stem cells?

Answer 1

unspecialised cells that are able to differentiate into specialised cells

Question 2

what are embryonic stem cells?

Answer 2

cells that are in the embryo when formed
- this can then differentiate into any specialised cell e.g nerve cell

Question 3

What are adult stem cells?

Answer 3

• adult stem cells have a limited ability to differentiate into other specialised cells than embryonic stem cells would
• this is why adults stop growing because they don’t create any extra cells just replace the ones they have

Question 4

What are some examples of adult stem cells?

Answer 4

• stem cells in bone marrow ( stem cells differentiate into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.)
• stem cells in teeth
  can differentiate into other specialised cells

Question 5

What are meristems?

Answer 5

plant stem cells that are able to differentiate into other specialised cells
based on the root of the plant
can grow into any specialised plant cell

Question 6

why might we use stem cells in medicine?

Answer 6

• many medical conditions are caused by groups or cells being damaged or killed
• we can grow stem cells and enable them to differentiate into the cells needed, we can replace the damaged or diseased tissue to cure the condition
• by creating the correct cells it might be possible to replace damaged organs or grow new nerve cells.

Question 7

how can we actually use stem cells in medicine?

Answer 7

• we can use adult cells to produce a cloned embryo of an adult to provide perfectly matched embryonic stem cells
• this is called therapeutic cloning

Question 8

What are some advantages of using stem cells?

Answer 8

• stem cells from an embryo can grow into any type of tissue
• a large number of stem cells can be grown in the laboratory
• can be used for medical research and treat diseases

Question 9

what are some disadvantages of using stem cells

Answer 9

• stem cells may grow out
• of control to form cancers
• stem cells may be rejected by the body’s immune system
• once received you might have to take regular drugs
• not enough research to back that stem cells will work with no side effects
• there is a risk adult cell might be infected with viruses and so could transfer to patients.

Question 10

What are some ethical issues with using stem cells?

Answer 10

• religious beliefs might not want to interfere with the process of human reproduction
• ## since the embryo cannot give permission it is a violation of human rights

Question 11

What stem cells are in an animal cell?

Answer 11

• embryonic stem cells
• adult stem cells