Stem Cells Flashcards
what is cell differentiation
process by which a cell changes to become specialised for its job, by developing new organelles which allow them to carry out these new functions
what do undifferentiated cells like embryonic stem cells do
they divide to produce lots of other cells, that can differentiate into other types of cells
where are stem cells found
early human embryos or in bone marrow
what are stem cells found in embryos and bone marrow used for
grown in lab to produce clones and made to differentiate into specialised cells to be used in medicine or research
how can stem cells cure disease
e.g. stem cells transferred from the bone marrow can replace faulty blood cells
embryonic stem cells can be used to replace faulty cells in sick people
e.g. insulin producing cells for people with diabetes
or nerve cells for people paralysed by spinal injuries
what are the risks involved in stem cell use
stem cells grown in lab could be contaminated by viruses and make the patient even more ill
why are some people against stem cells
because they believe each one is a potential life so shouldn’t be used for experiments
what is cell differentiation
stem cells develop adaptations to become specialised for their specific function
what are stem cells
undifferentiated cells that have no function but can divide indefinitely and become adapted for a specific function
