Stem Cells Flashcards
What are stem cells?
Cells that can turn into any type of cell depending on their instructions
Where are stem cells found?
In human embryos
Where are adult stem cells found?
Bone marrow
Why is it that adult stem cells can only turn into certain types of cells?
Because they aren’t as versatile as embryonic stem cells
What are adult stem cells used to cure?
Blood disease
Where do scientists extract stem cells from and grow them?
Early human embryos
What are the two reasons as to why some people are against stem cell research?
1) They feel human embryos shouldn’t be used for experiments since each one is potential human life
2) They think curing patients who already exist and are suffering is more important
What are stem cells 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
