Objective: To understand the therapeutic value of stem cells
About tissue stem cells
Stem cells are one of the most amazing types of cells because they can (1) make copies of themselves and (2) make specialized cells like skin cells, red blood cells or liver cells.
1. We need stem cells in our body. What would happen to you if you didn't have stem cells?
Tissue stem cells have the potential to make several types of specialized cells, but not all. For example blood stem cells can make all the different types of cells in your blood, but they can't make skin cells.
2. Add the following labels to the diagram:
a. specialized cells in blood; b. blood stem cell; c. make copies; d. bone marrow.
Therapeutic value of stem cells
3. Read the article from US News and World Report:
https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/06/05/scientists-find-stem-cells-in-liposuctioned-fat
Scientists study stem cells for many reasons, for example to better understand the cell cycle and to develop and test new ways to treat patients.
4. Give one more reason why Dr Chazenbalk is doing this research.
Scientists can now take a cell from a body, for example a skin cell, and turn it into a cell that behaves like stem cells from an embryo.
5. What are these special types of cells called?
6. Why is Dr Chazenbalk eager to use this technique to study Parkinson's?