L3 - Stem Cells

• Stem Cell


  An undifferentiated cell that can specialise to become other cell types to repair damaged tissues.
• An embryonic stem cell is an unspecialised cell that can specialise to become any cell type. They are formed when a sperm cell fertilises an egg cell.
• An adult stem cell is an unspecialised cell that can specialise to become other cell types, but not all. these are the only stem cells you have once you're born.
• Plant stem cells are found in the meristems in the shoot and root tips.
• If you can harness the power of stem cells they can become a useful medical tool to treat diseases. But more research is needed.
• Adult stem cells:

  • Harvested from your own bone marrow
  • No need to wait for a donor or tissue typing resulting in no rejection however it is an invasive procedure
  • Can specialise to become a limited number of cells
  • Using own cells so readily available
• Embryonic stem cells:

  • Taken from embryos
  • Cells are not your own so could be rejected. Immunosuppressant drugs need to be taken for the rest of your life
  • Can specialise to become any cell type
  • Destruction of a potential life (ethical issues)