Stem Cells
Stem cells are simple, unspecialised cells found in animals and plants that have the ability to divide to form cells of the same type. They can also When a cell becomes different in order to carry out a particular function. into a variety of A cell that has adaptations to carry out a particular function. cells.
Stem cells can be Process of collecting stem cells. from embryonic The cord that connects the foetus to the placenta. It contains blood vessels. or adult bone marrow.
Stem cell use in medicine
The use of stem cells in medicine is becoming more common. There are benefits and risks associated with their use in this field.
Benefits:
- Treating A type of cancer that affects the white blood cells. - The use of chemicals to treat cancer. The chemicals used are highly toxic to cells that divide rapidly. and radiotherapy destroy white blood cells in the patient’s body, stopping their bone marrow producing new blood cells. A bone marrow transplant containing stem cells from a matching donor allows healthy blood cells to be made in the patient.
Risks:
- Risk of infection from the environment (and the donor) as chemotherapy and radiotherapy leave the patient with no The body's defence system against entry of any foreign body, including pathogens and agents such as pollen grains. The role of the immune system is to prevent disease..
- Stem cells may divide in an uncontrolled manner leading to the formation of tumours or the development of unwanted cell types.
- Transfer of viruses or diseases from other animals.
Some people have Relating to right and wrong, eg ethical companies are often ones that act in a responsible way. issues with the use of embryonic stem cells and governments tend to control research in this area.
