Stem Cells CELL DIVISION Flashcards
What are stem cells?
They don’t have a specific job or function. They are undifferentiated.
They have the potential to be other cells.
Stem cells are undifferentiated. What does this mean?
They don’t have a specific job or function.
There are two types of stem cells. What are these?
Adult cells and embryonic cells.
What are adult cells?
They can only become a cell for their type.
E.g skin, liver and bone.
What is an embryonic cell?
They can become any other cell in their body. They are pluripotent.
E.g umbilical cord, placenta and a blastocyst. This is a 4-5 day fertilised egg.
A good thing about embryonic cells
Can treat a wide variety of lots of diseases.
Many available.
A bad thing about embryonic cells.
Embryo rights idea. The cell has rights.
Possible harm or death.
Good things about adult stem cells
No ethical issues.
Quick recovery.
Bad things about adult stem cells
Operation hazards e.g.infection
Few types of cells
Painful so may deter the donors.
What does differentiate mean?
The process where cells become specialised for a particular function
