stem cells

• stem cell:

  • undifferentiated cell
  • can undergo division
  • types include embryonic or adult stem cells and meristems in plants
• embryonic stem cells:

  • are fully undifferentiated - can differentiate into any type of cell
  • scientists can clone these cells (culturing)
• adult stem cells:

  • found in bone marrow
  • form limited types of cells
  • example: adult stem cells can form blood cells
• meristems (plants):

  • found in root and shoot tips
  • can differentiate into any type of plant
  • this may be necessary if the parent plant has certain desirable features
• therapeutic cloning:

  • embryo is produced with the same genes as the patient
  • embryo produced could then be harvested to obtain embryonic stem cells
  • could be grown into anything the patient needed
  • would not be rejected - same genetic makeup as the patient
• benefits of research with stem cells:

  • can be used to replace damaged or diseased body parts
  • unwanted embryos from fertility clinics could be used as they would otherwise be discarded
  • research into the process of differentiation
  • could save a life
• problems of research with stem cells:

  • the process of differentiation is not completely understood - hard to control stem cells to form desired cells
  • removal of stem cells is destruction of the embryo
  • religious or ethical objections - seen as an interference with the natural process of reproduction
  • if the growing stem cells are contaminated, and infection can be transferred to the patient
  • money and time could be better spent into other areas of medicine