Using human stem cells
Find out where stem cells come from and how they are used in humans and plants
stem cellA cell found in foetuses, embryos and some adult tissues that can give rise to a wide range of other cells. can divide to produce new cells, which can then divide into different cell types. They therefore have the potential to be transplanted into patients to treat medical conditions and disease. They could be used to replace cells that have been damaged or destroyed, eg:
- in type 1 diabetesA serious disease in which the body is unable to regulate blood sugar.
- in cases of multiple sclerosisA disease which affects the brain and spinal cord and can make movement and communication difficult., which can lead to paralysisThe loss of muscle function in part of the body.
- in cases of spinal cord or brain injury, that have led to paralysis
The stem cells used could be:
- embryonic stem cellA type of stem cell found in the embryo, capable of dividing into almost any cell type.
- adult stem cellA type of stem cell found in specific locations in adults. Adult stem cells can only differentiate into a limited number of related cell types.
Embryonic stem cells can differentiationWhen an unspecialised cell becomes a more specialised cell type. into a wider range of cell types, but are difficult to obtain. The best source is a five-day-old embryo, although there are clinical, ethicalRelating to right and wrong, eg ethical companies are often ones that act in a responsible way. and social issues with their use.
Adult stem cells will differentiate into a narrower range of cell types. bone marrowSoft tissue found inside bones that produces new blood cells. transplants are an example of adult stem cell transplant. Bone marrow cells will differentiate into different types of blood cell. Bone marrow transplants are carried out:
- in cases of blood cell cancerA disease caused by normal cells changing so that they grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. The uncontrolled growth causes a lump called a tumour to form. such as leukaemia and lymphoma
- when blood cells have been destroyed by cancer treatment