Stem Cells

Different kinds of cells

Learning Objectives

• stem cells are unspecialised cells found in embryos and in some adult tissues such as bone marrow

• stem cells have the potential to differentiate into different types of specialised cells

At the end of the lesson you should be able to:

• describe what stem cells are and their location in humans

• describe how stem cells have the potential to treat sick people

• If it’s highlighted in RED you need to know it – so write it down!

• Most adult cells in the body have a particular purpose which cannot be changed – They are specialised.

• Stem Cells are different:• They are still at an early stage of development and retain

the potential to become many different types of cell.

Two types of Stem Cell

• Embryonic Stem Cells– Easy to grow large numbers in culture– They have the ability to become virtually any type of

cell in the body

• Adult Stem Cells– Found in organs– Maintain the organ by repairing any damage– Their potential to become different types of cell is

more limited

Stem Cell “Repair Kit”

• Scientists are researching ways Stem Cells can be used as a kind of “super repair kit”

• Some of the conditions that may eventually be treated using Stem Cell Therapy include:– Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Heart

Disease, Stroke, Arthritis, Diabetes, Burns, and Spinal Cord Damage.

Arguments For and Against the use of Stem Cells

FOR the use of All Stem Cells

FOR the use of Adult Stem Cells

AGAINST the use of All Stem Cells

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