Your Body Has Around 250 Different Types of Cells, Specialized for Different Jobs

Stem Cells

Your body has around 250 different types of cells, specialized for different jobs.

Stem cells can develop into any number of specialized cells. Their ability to divide and become specific cells allows them to potentially be used in medicine.

Go to http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/ and click on the stem cells tab.

Click on Nature of Stem Cells and answer the following questions IN FULL SENTENCES!

1. What is a stem cell?

2. What is a blastocyst? Draw and label a blastocyst.

3. How many types of cell are there in your body?

4. What is a somatic cell?

Click on Stem Cell Quick Reference and answer the following questions.

1. What are the 4 types of stem cells?

2. Choose 2 of the stem cell types and describe how they can be isolated and used by scientists.

3. The use of stem cells in medicine used to be very controversial, due to the use of embryos. Now there are the 4 types of stem cells. Do you think the issue is still as controversial? Why?

Click on Go, Go Stem Cells and answer the following questions.

1. What is a stem cell niche?

2. Choose one of the niches and explore it by clicking on the yellow dot.

3. Describe how the stem cell is formed in that niche.

Click on Stem Cells in Use, read the information and answer the question. You can also do your own research online. There are new discoveries every day!!

1. How are stem cells being used to help people with various diseases?