Stem Cells in Medicine

Question 1

What are stem cells?

Answer 1

Undifferentiated cells that can develop into any type of specialised cell.

Question 2

How can stem cells be used.

Answer 2

1. To repair damaged nerve tissue in spinal cord injuries

2. To replace damaged heart tissue from heart disease/damage caused by heart attacks.

Question 3

What are the two sources of stem cells?

Answer 3

1. Adult stem cells

2. Embryonic stem cells

Question 4

What are the positives of obtaining/using adult stem cells?

Answer 4

• It is a simple, low risk operation

- There is less chance of rejection if the patient’s own stem cells are used.

Question 5

What are the negatives of obtaining/using adult stem cells

Answer 5

• Operation is very discomforting

- The stem cells aren’t as flexible and can only become certain types of specialised cells

Question 6

How are adult stem cells obtained?

Answer 6

Obtained from adult body tissue

Question 7

How are embryonic stem cells obtained?

Answer 7

• embryos are created using IVF
• stem cells are extracted from the embryos when they reach 4-5 days old.
• The rest of the embryo is destroyed

Question 8

What are the positives of using embryonic stem cells?

Answer 8

• They can develop into any type of cell

Question 9

What are the ethical issues behind using embryonic stem cells?

Answer 9

• Some believe that the destruction of a viable embryo/potential life is wrong and so object to the use of embryonic stem cells/stem cell research

Question 10

What work do the regulating authorities carry out?

Answer 10

1. Looking at proposals and deciding whether to allow them or not
2. Set up licensing and monitoring centres
3. Setting guidelines and codes of practice
4. Monitoring developments
5. Provide others with information and advice

Question 11

Why is providing information and advice beneficial?

Answer 11

• helps to promote the science involved

- helps society understand what’s involved and why it’s important

Question 12

Why do regulatory authorities need to monitor developments?

Answer 12

• ensures changes in the field are regulated properly
• ensures all guidelines are up to date with the scientific developments
• ensures research is not unnecessarily repeated

Question 13

Why do regulating authorities issue guidelines and codes of practice?

Answer 13

• ensures all scientists work in a similar manner so results are comparable
• ensures scientists use an acceptable source of stem cells
• ensures methods of extraction are controlled, such as the maximum age of an embryo when stem cells are extracted

Question 14

Why do regulating authorities set up licensing and monitoring centres?

Answer 14

• ensures only fully trained staff carry out research as they will know not to waste resources
• it helps to avoid any unregulated research

Question 15

Why do regulating authorities look at proposals of research and decide on allowing them to go ahead?

Answer 15

• ensures any research is being carried out for a good reason
• makes sure research is not unnecessarily repeated by others