Adult stem cells

• They are found in specific parts of the body in adults and children e.g. bone marrow
• they can only differentiate to form specific types of cells e.g. stem cells in bone marrow can only differentiate into types of blood cells
• ADVANTADGES:

  • fewer ethical issues - adults give consent to have their stem cells removed and used
  • an already established way for treating diseases like leukaemia
  • safe to use as a treatment and donors recover quickly
• DISADVANTAGES:

  • long wait to find a suitable donor
  • can only differentiate into certain types of specialised cells, so can treat fewer diseases