Stem Cells

Question 1

What is a stem cell?

Answer 1

It is an unspecialised cell, that can differentiate into many other cell types

Question 2

Embryonic stem cells

Answer 2

Unspecialised cells from embryos

Question 3

Advantages of embryonic stem cells

Answer 3

1) It has the potential to develop into any type of cell/tissue
2) it can be used to treat human diseases and it is painless

Question 4

Disadvantages of embryonic stem cells

Answer 4

1) It can cause possible harm or death to the embryo

2) it is unethical because embryos cannot give perimission

Question 5

Adult stem cells

Answer 5

Unspecialised cells from adult tissues (e.g. bone marrow)

Question 6

Advantages of adult stem cells

Answer 6

1) There is a plentiful supply
2) there are no ethical issues as permission can be given
3) It is well tried and well treated

Question 7

Disadvantages of adult stem cells

Answer 7

1) They are painful to extract
2) Fewer diseases can be treated
3) It can only form the type of cells as the tissue they were taken from