stem cells

Stem cell

Cell capable of dividing and differentiating into specialized cells.

Embryonic stem cells

Cells from early embryos, can differentiate into any cell type.

Adult stem cells

Cells in adult tissues, limited differentiation capabilities.

Stem cell therapy

Using stem cells to treat diseases or repair tissues.

Bone marrow transplant

Transplanting stem cells to replace damaged blood cells.

Leukaemia

Cancer affecting blood cells, treated with bone marrow transplants.

Ethical considerations

Moral issues surrounding stem cell research and usage.

Teratomas

Tumors formed from embryonic stem cells.

Umbilical cord stem cells

Stem cells from umbilical cord, ethically acceptable for use.

Placentally derived stem cells

Stem cells from placenta, ethically acceptable post-delivery.

Informed consent

Permission granted by donors for using their stem cells.

Potential uses of stem cells

Applications in medicine and research for various conditions.

Replace damaged tissue

Stem cells can regenerate cells for therapies.

Study human development

Researching differentiation and function of cells.

Testing new drugs

Using stem cells to evaluate drug safety before trials.

Screening toxins

Testing substances for toxicity using stem cells.

Gene therapy methods

Developing therapies for genetic illnesses using stem cells.

Totipotent stem cells

Cells that can become any cell type, including placental.

Pluripotent stem cells

Cells that can differentiate into any cell except placental.

Multipotent stem cells

Cells that can become a limited range of cell types.

Unipotent stem cells

Cells that can differentiate into only one cell type.

Electron microscopes

Tools for high-resolution imaging of cells and structures.

Resolution

Ability to distinguish two points as separate in an image.

Rough ER

Endoplasmic reticulum with ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis.

Cytoplasm membranes

Membranes surrounding organelles and forming cellular structures.

Immortal stem cells

Cell lines that can produce endless supplies of cells.

Immunogenic

Likelihood of immune rejection after stem cell transplantation.