8.2.1 Most of a cells DNA is not translated

What is a stem cell

they are undifferentiated cells that are capable of continuous cell division

they renew themselves over long periods and can develop into other specialised cell types

Characteristic of totipotent stem cells and their sources

can differentiate into ANY type of cell

e.g zygote/all plant tissue

Characteristic of pluripotent stem cells and their sources

can differentiate into ALMOST any type of cell

e.g embryonic/fetal

Characteristic of multipotent stem cells and their sources

can differentiate into a LIMITED number of specialised cells

e.g bone marrow producing any blood type cell

Characteristic of unipotent stem cells and their sources

can only differentiate into a SINGLE type of cell

e.g cardiac muscle cell

how can induced pluripotent cells be produced

unipotent stem cells are genetically altered in a laboratory by inducing genes and transcriptional factors within the cells to express themselves

PROS of using stem cells in treating human disorders

Do not require donors for organ transplants

less/no chance of rejection

Able to grow in culture

CONS of using stem cells in treating human disorders

Possibility of uncontrolled cell division

Ethical debate regarding use of human embryos