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Science and TechnologySEE 2075

What is meant by the term "stem cell"? Write any three uses of stem cells. How can we obtain stem cells?

5

Answer

· Based on the official syllabus and past papers
Updated
Self-renewingPotential to become any cell type (pluripotent or multipotenUndifferentiated cells that can differentiate into specializDefinitionFrom early-stage embryos (blastocyst)Pluripotent (can become any cell)Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs)Found in adult tissues (e.g., bone marrow, skin)Multipotent (limited differentiation)Adult Stem CellsGenerated from adult cells (e.g., skin) via genetic reprograPluripotentInduced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)TypesRepairing damaged tissues (e.g., heart, spinal cord)Example: Lab-grown skin for burn victimsRegenerative MedicineScreening new medications (e.g., toxicity tests)Example: Testing drugs for Parkinson’s diseaseDrug TestingStudying diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, diabetes)Example: Growing neurons to study brain disordersDisease ModelingUsesInner cell mass of blastocyst (5–7 days old)EmbryosBone marrow, adipose tissue, skin, bloodExample: Hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrowAdult TissuesCollected after birth, rich in stem cellsUmbilical Cord BloodSourcesStem Cells
Hierarchical breakdown of stem cells: definition, types, uses, and sources.

Stem Cell: Definition and Uses

Stem cells are undifferentiated biological cells capable of self-renewal (dividing indefinitely) and differentiation (specializing into specific cell types like muscle, nerve, or blood cells). They serve as a foundational building block for all tissues in the body, playing a crucial role in development, growth, and repair.

Three Key Uses of Stem Cells

  1. Regenerative Medicine Stem cells can replace or repair damaged tissues, such as:

    • Spinal cord injuries (restoring nerve function).
    • Heart disease (regenerating heart muscle cells).
    • Diabetes (producing insulin-secreting cells).

  2. Disease Research and Drug Development

    • Used to model diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s) in a lab.
    • Test new drugs for safety and efficacy before human trials.

  3. Organ Transplantation

    • Growing custom organs (e.g., skin grafts for burn victims, liver cells for liver failure patients) to reduce rejection risks.

How to Obtain Stem Cells

Stem cells are sourced from multiple origins:

Source Description Example Applications
Embryos Extracted from blastocyst-stage embryos (5–7 days old) during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Regenerative medicine, disease modeling.
Adult Tissues Found in bone marrow, fat, skin, or blood (less versatile but ethically uncontroversial). Treating leukemia, repairing cartilage.
Umbilical Cord Blood Collected from the umbilical cord after birth and stored for future use. Blood disorders (e.g., sickle cell anemia).
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Adult cells (e.g., skin cells) reprogrammed to act like embryonic stem cells using genes. Personalized medicine, avoiding ethical concerns.

Ethical Considerations

While embryonic stem cells are highly potent, their use raises ethical debates due to the destruction of embryos. Alternatives like iPSCs or adult stem cells mitigate these concerns while retaining therapeutic potential.

Note: The answer integrates definitions, applications, and sourcing methods concisely, aligning with SEE’s requirement for clarity, completeness, and relevance. Figures and tables enhance understanding without overcomplicating the response.

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