Stem Cells and Differentiation Flashcards
(7 cards)
What are some arguments for the use of stem cells to treat diseases?
- Using stem cells to treat diseases can save numerous lives
- If they are taken from the person’s umbilical cord they can be used to later treat them without the risk of GvHD (Graft Versus Host Disease) and there are no ethical concerns
- It can treat many diseases and make a person’s quality of like better
- Some would agree Embryos are not yet alive
- It can treat very severe diseases such as leukemia
What are some arguments against using stem cells to treat diseases?
- A Catholic might argue we are ‘playing god’ by using stem cells to treat diseases and altering what we shouldn’t
- You may get GvHD (Graft Versus Host Disease) and end up in a situation worse than the original
- People question when life starts and argue we are killing human life
What is a stem cell?
A stem cell is a cell that can differentiate into any specialised cell (any cell that has undergone differentiation)
What is differentiation?
Differentiation is when cells become specialised for particular functions
What is a specialised cell?
A specialised cell is a cell that has undergone differentiation (cell specialisation) so it can become a cell with a particular function
an example of a specialised cell is a Ciliated Epithelial cell that removes dirt and debris
What are the benefits of treating someone with stem cells taken from their own umbilical cord?
If you treat someone with stem cells taken from their own umbilical cord there is no risk of GvHD (Graft Versus Host Disease)
There are no ethical concerns as no potential human life has been taken
What is Therapeutic cloning?
Therapeutic cloning is when an egg cell and a body cell have their nucleus removed. The body cell’s neycleus is inserted into the egg cell and the cloned cell is induced to form an embryo
Stem cells are then harvested from the embryos
