Stem cells

• What can undifferentiated cells do 


  Differentiate into any type of specialised cell
• Where are stem cells found


  Human embryos
• Can embryonic stem cells also differentiate


  Yes
• Where are adult stem cells found

  Bone marrow
• Can adult stem cells differentiate

  No
• What can adult stem cells ONLY differentiate into

  Skin + Blood cells
• Where are stem cells found in plants

  Meristems ( in tips of roots + shoots)
• What can adult stem cells cure

  Sickle cells anaemia using bone marrow transplants
• What are the issues with using stem cells in medicine 


  • Tumor development (stem cells divide rapidly -> if not controlled - cancer)
  • Disease transmission (if stem cell infected -> passed onto patient)
  • Rejection (body's immune system might destroy them)
  • Ethical issues ( human embryos shouldn't be used for research)
• What problem can arise from taking immunosuppressants 


  More susceptible to catching diseases