Stem Cells Virtual Exploration

Stem Cells – Virtual Exploration

Purpose

To learn about what stem cells are and how the body uses them

Materials

Computer InternetA Brain

Procedure

- Go to

- Under Genetic Technology, choose Stem Cells

- Choose What is a stem cell? (Interactive Explore)

- Follow the directions to view the animation. View all 5 types of cells.

- Answer questions 1 - 6 under the Discussion Section as you read

- Choose What are some different types of stem cells? (Interactive Explore)

- Answer questions 7 - 11 under the Discussion Section as you read

- Read the six articles about how stem cells work and the research being done. Make sure you understand what they are talking about.

- Answer questions 12 – 15 under the Discussion Section as you read

Data/Results

None for this Lab

Discussion

1) Why are they called “stem” cells?

2) Is the outer layer of your skin alive or dead? Explain.

3) Where are your blood cells made?

4) Does a red blood cell have a nucleus?

5) When are most of your nerve cells made?

6) What types of cells make your muscles bigger and stronger?

Over 

7) What type of stem cells can become any kind of cell in the body?

8) Embryonic stem cells eventually form the inner cell mass which becomes what?

9) After how many weeks of development does an embryo become a fetus?

10) How does the belly button form?

11) What types of stem cells are pluripotent? What types are multipotent?

12) Overall, why don’t we live forever?

13) After birth, some umbilical cords are saved. Explain why they might do this.

14) Explain why stem cells implanted in the body could actually form tumors.

15) How could IVF embryos be used in stem cell research?