stem cells

• Stems cells are undifferentiated cells.
• Embryonic stem cells can form into any type of cell in the body.
• Stem cells are limited and can only differentiate into related cell types. They are used to produce new cells for growth and repair.
• Stem cells are found in the roots and shoot tips in the meristem tissues for plants.
• Meristem cells are unspecialised cells that can differentiate into the cells needed for growth and development.
• Embryonic stem cells can be extracted from human embryos in the lab and be stimulated into specialised cells.
• Diabetes (type 1):

  • The inability on the pancreas to produce insulin that controls blood sugar levels.

  • Stem cells can be differentiated into insulin-producing pancreatic cells which are transplanted into body.
• Paralysis:

  • Damage to nerve cells in the brain or spinal chord, preventing signals from the brain reaching muscles.

  • Stems cells can be differentiate into nerve cells which are transplanted into the damaged region of nervous system.
• Pros:

  • Treats a wide variety of diseases.

  • Organs developed from a patient’s own stem cells reduces the risk of organ rejection.
• Cons:

  • Stem cells cultured in a lab could become infected with a virus.

  • Cultured stem cells accumulating mutations can develop into cancer cells.