Stem Cells Flashcards
Where are stem cells found?
In human embryos and adult bone marrow
What is differentiation?
When cells become specialised for a particular function
What are people hoping to achieve with stem cell research?
Treat things such as paralysis by differentiating cells to nerve cells
What are stem cells?
They are unspecialised cells
Why are some people against stem cell research?
- They believe human embryos should not be for experiments as they have the potential to become a life and they have no say
- others think that curing patients who already exist is more important than the rights of embryos
- embryos should be used in fertility clinics
- some think scientists should try other ways to get embryos without using embryos
Where can embryonic stem cells be taken from?
Spare IVF embryos
Spare adult cells
Can be taken from the umbilical cords of newborn babies
What can be engineered with stem cell research?
Nephew tissues and organs can be grown for transplant
What is the good thing about embryo screening?
It involves tests to diagnose disorders before birth
What do people think is bad about embryo screening?
More people may realise the disorders and decide to terminate the pregnancies, which they deem unethical
What happens to the embryos with faulty genes?
They are destroyed, which some think is unethical
