stem cells Flashcards
how do erythrocytes and neutrophils differentiate from bone marrow?
they are replaced by stem cell colonies in bone marrow as they have a short life
state the three sources of stem cells
embryonic
adult stem cell
meristem
describe embryonic stem cells
totipotent until a blastocyst forms and then becomes pluripotent
describe adult stem cells
multipotent
found in bone marrow
describe meristem cells
in roots and shoots or vascular cambium
how are stem cells used to treat heart disease?
repair muscle tissue damage
how are stem cells used to treat T1 diabetes?
inject insulin
how are stem cells used to treat burns?
grown on biodegradable mesh to produce new skin
how are stem cells used to treat alzheimers?
abnormal proteins destroy brain cells
how are stem cells used in drug trials?
allows testing
outline the benefits of using stem cells (3)
- stem cells have no fixed antigens so will not be rejected by the body
- undifferentiated and constantly renew so can produce any type of cell
- large number of cells available quickly