stem cells

Created by

jess

Cards (10)

stem cells are cells that have not differentiated yet
there are two types , embryonic and adult
embryonic stem cells
When a sperm fertilises an ovum (egg cell) a zygote is formed. This cell divides into two cells, then four, eight and so on. After several weeks a small bundle of cells is formed which is called an embryo. This is made from embryonic stem cells.
embryonic stem cells are able to differentiate into any cell in the human body
adult stem cells
found in adults and children
only able to differentiate into a limited number of cells
grow in hair follicles , brain , nose , breasts , fat tissue , testes and bone marrow
stem cells can only differentiate into cells that are found in the region they are made
plant stem cells
found in meristems at the tip of their roots
can differentiate into all types of cells
uses of adult stem cells
treat leukaemia and other blood cancers
help type 1 diabetes
parkinson’s disease
brain/ spinal cord injuries
embryonic stem cells are easier to help people however
they are best taken from a 5 day old embryo
ethical issues attached
Embryonic stem cells are only found in embryos. They can differentiate into all the cell types that make a human.
Adult stem cells are found in children and adults. They can only differentiate into a limited number of cell types.
arguments for and against adult/ embryonic stem cells
For: They can be used to treat some medical conditions in humans. These include leukaemia, type 1 diabetes and Parkinson's disease.
Against: There are clinical, ethical and social issues around the use of embryonic stem cells.
arguments for plant stem cells
For: Stem cells in plants are used to grow copies of rare plants and beautiful flowers.
For: Large numbers of clones can be made quickly and easily.
For: There are fewer clinical, ethical and social issues surrounding the use of plant stem cells.
ethical issue with using stem cells is that it involves destroying an embryo which many find morally wrong