Stem Cell Technology

Stem Cell Technology

1. what are stem cells?

   • unspecialised cells = no special function
     • Totipotent = can become any sort of cell from that species

2. where do they come from?

   • spare embryos from IVF
     • Ethical & Moral issues
       • spare embryos are used from IVF
       • Uk law has allowed embryos to be created soley for stem cell research
       • key ethical consideration is the moral viewpoint of the embryo
         • when does an embryo become a human life?
       • should embryos still be used as alternatives are available?
   • adult bone marrow, fat tissue or blood
   • babies' umbilical cords

3. Benefits of Stem Cell developments

   • Replace diseased and damaged tissues
     • treat leukaemia
     • different forms of cancer
     • wound damage
     • Brain damage
     • diabetes
     • baldness
     • spinal cord injuries
     • degenerative conditions
       • Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases
     • Regenerative - organs