Stem Cell Technology

what are stem cells?
1. unspecialised cells = no special function
  1. Totipotent = can become any sort of cell from that species
where do they come from?
1. spare embryos from IVF
  1. Ethical & Moral issues
    1. spare embryos are used from IVF
    2. Uk law has allowed embryos to be created soley for stem cell research
    3. key ethical consideration is the moral viewpoint of the embryo
      1. when does an embryo become a human life?
    4. should embryos still be used as alternatives are available?
2. adult bone marrow, fat tissue or blood
3. babies' umbilical cords
Benefits of Stem Cell developments
1. Replace diseased and damaged tissues
  1. treat leukaemia
  2. different forms of cancer
  3. wound damage
  4. Brain damage
  5. diabetes
  6. baldness
  7. spinal cord injuries
  8. degenerative conditions
    1. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases
  9. Regenerative - organs

Resource summary

	Created by Suzanne Kerruish over 9 years ago