Stem cells

• Stem Cells

  Cells that can turn into any type of cell
• Differentiation


  The process by which a cell changes to become specialized for its job
• Embryonic Stem Cells


  • Can divide to produce lots of undifferentiated cells
  • Can differentiate into any cell type depending on what signals they're given
• Adult Stem Cells

  • Found in certain places like bone marrow
  • Can only differentiate into certain cell types
• Cloning

  The process of creating genetically identical cells or organisms
• Stem cells used in medicine

  Can be used to cure many diseases by replacing faulty cells
• Stem cells from a patient's own body

  Would not be rejected by the patient's body if used for treatment
• Arguments against stem cell research

  • Embryos should not be used as they are potential human life
  • Curing suffering patients is more important than rights of embryos
  • Scientists should focus on finding alternatives to using embryos
• Stem cell research is banned in some countries but allowed in the UK with strict guidelines
• Plant Stem Cells

  • Found in the meristem (parts of the plant where growth occurs)
  • Can differentiate into a variety of plant cell types
  • Can be used to produce clones (genetically identical copies) of whole plants quickly and cheaply
• Stem cells can be used to preserve rare plant species and grow crops of identical plants
• Stem cells have many uses but there are arguments both for and against their use, so it's important to understand the key facts