Stem Cells

• What is a key possibility of stem cell research?

  It has exciting possibilities
• What is differentiation in the context of stem cells?

  It is the process of cells becoming specialized
• What are undifferentiated cells called?

  Stem cells
• What can stem cells do when given specific instructions?

  They can differentiate into different cell types
• Where are stem cells found in early human development?

  In early human embryos
• Why are embryonic stem cells exciting for medical researchers?

  They can turn into any kind of cell
• Where are adult stem cells primarily found?

  In certain places like bone marrow
• How do adult stem cells differ from embryonic stem cells?

  They can only turn into certain cell types
• How can stem cells be used in medicine?

  To replace faulty cells in patients
• How could embryonic stem cells help people with diabetes?

  By making insulin-producing cells
• What is therapeutic cloning?

  Making an embryo with the patient's genes
• Why would stem cells from therapeutic cloning not be rejected?

  They contain the same genes as the patient
• What is a risk of using stem cells in medicine?

  They may become contaminated with a virus
• Why do some people oppose stem cell research?

  They believe embryos are potential human lives
• What do some argue is more important than embryo rights?

  Curing existing patients who are suffering
• What happens to embryos used in research if not used?

  They would probably be destroyed
• What do campaigners for embryo rights suggest?

  Focus on finding other stem cell sources
• In which countries is stem cell research banned?

  In some countries
• Where are stem cells found in plants?

  In the meristems
• What can stem cells in meristem tissues do?

  Differentiate into any type of plant cell
• How can stem cells be used to produce identical plants?

  • Produce clones quickly and cheaply
  • Grow rare species to prevent extinction
  • Grow crops with desired features for farmers
• What is a common opinion about using florists' cell stems?

  No one complains about that practice
• What should students know about stem cells?

  • Uses of stem cells
  • Arguments for using stem cells
  • Arguments against using stem cells
• What is the question regarding stem cells and rare plant species?

  How can stem cells preserve rare plant species?