Stem Cells
What are the 3 types of stem cells?
Adult, Embryonic, and Induced Pluripotent
Name 1 pro and 1 con of stem cell therapy.
There are multiple correct answers.
Ex.
Pro: Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various types of cells
Con: Adult stem cells are difficult to keep alive in culture for extended periods of time
Give 3 examples of diseases treated by stem cell therapy.
There are multiple correct answers.
Ex.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
- Parkinsons disease
What makes a stem cell different from a specialized cell?
- Stem cells = undifferentiated, Specialized cells = differentiated
- A stem cell still has the ability to develop into many different cell types, a specialized cell has already become specialized to perform specific functions in the body
State an ethical problem surrounding the use of ESCs (Embryonic Stem Cells).
Name 2 key differences between an adult stem cell and an embryonic stem cell.
There are multiple correct answers.
Ex.
- ESCs have the ability to differentiate into any of the body's 220 different cell types, whereas adult stem cells are less flexible in terms of changing into different cell types (limited in their ability)
- Adult stem cells are found in fully developed organisms, while embryonic stem cells are found in early-stage embryos
Name one step in creating an IPSC (Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell).
There are multiple correct answers.
Ex.
- genetically transforming adult stem cells to become like embryonic stem cells
Name 3 pros and 3 cons of stem cell therapy.
There are multiple correct answers.
Ex.
Pros:
- Stem cells have the potential to treat a range of complex diseases
- Induced pluripotent stem cells have numerous potential uses in drug development and developmental studies
- Induced pluripotent stem cells may be able to reprogram damaged or diseased tissues and avoid issues of tissue compatibility in transplants
Cons:
- No current technology exists to mass-produce adult stem cells
- Adult stem cells are scarce in tissues, making them hard to locate and purify
- Embryonic stem cells may be rejected if used in therapy due to being from a different individual
What age does an embryo have to be to have an ESC taken from it?
3-5 days old