stem cells Flashcards
what is a stem cell
A stem cell is an undifferentiated cell of an organism that can divide to produce many more cells of the same type
What is the process of differentiation
Stem cells can develop into other types of cells through differentiation
what are the two different types of stem cells in animals
Embryonic stem cells
Adult stem cells
What is the use of an Embryonic Stem cells
they help form all different tissues and organs needed during development of a whole new individual
What is the use of an adult cell
They can only differentiate to produce a few different cell types
they are predominantly used to replace cells lost through damage or to produce new cells for growth
What is the benefit of embryonic stem cells
Have the potential to grow into any kind of cell
possibly useful in medical treatment of diseases
repair damaged organs by growing new tissue from stem cells
e.g making cells that produce insulin for people with diabetes
what is an example of an adult stem cell and the benefits
Blood cells
used to replace faulty blood cells in sick people
Where do adult cells come from
Bone marrow
Where do embryonic stem cells come form
Embryo
where are plant stem cells found
In meristem tissue
what are meristem cells
They are unspecialised cells that can differentiate into the cells needed by the plant in regions where growth is occurring
what are plant stem cell used for
Clone plants with desired characteristics
useful if plants had resistance to a particular disease
what are the dangers of stem cells
Stem cells grown in the lab may become contaminated with a virus which could be passed onto the patient and make them sicker
What are Adult stem cells beneficial for and give an example
Medical treatment
Treat some diseases such as Leukaemia
Why are some people against stem cell research
human embryos shouldn’t be used for experiments since each one is a potential life
(unethical)
scientist should concentrate more on finding and developing other sources of stem cells , so people could be helped without having to use embryos