Using human stem cells
Greg Foot explains the role of stem cells in humans and plants.
Stem cells can divide to produce new cells, which can then divide into different cell types. Stem cells therefore have the potential to be transplanted into patients to treat medical conditions and diseaseIllness affecting plants and animals.. They could be used to replace cells or tissues that have been damaged or destroyed, eg:
- in Type 1 diabetesA serious disease in which the body is unable to regulate blood sugar.
- in cases of multiple sclerosisA disease which affects the brain and spinal cord and can make movement and communication difficult., which can lead to paralysisThe loss of muscle function in part of the body.
- in cases of spinal cordThe part of central nervous system of a mammal which runs inside its backbone or brainThe organ of the central nervous system of mammals where vital functions are coordinated injury, that have led to paralysis
The stem cells used could be:
- embryonic stem cellA type of stem cell found in the embryo, capable of dividing into almost any cell type.
- adult stem cellA type of stem cell found in specific locations in adults. Adult stem cells can only differentiate into a limited number of related cell types.
Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into a wider range of cell types, but are difficult to obtain. The best source is the five-day-old embryo.
Adult stem cells will differentiate into a narrower range of cell types. Bone marrow transplants are an example of an adult stem cell transplant. Bone marrow cells will differentiate into different types of blood cell. Bone marrow transplants are carried out:
- in cases of blood cell cancerA disease caused by normal cells changing so that they grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. The uncontrolled growth causes a lump called a tumour to form. such as leukaemia and lymphoma
- when blood cells have been destroyed by cancer treatment