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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
1
FOR the use of
Adult Stem Cells
AGAINST the use
of All Stem Cells
2
3