What is a STEM CELL?Unspecialized cells: can become any type of cell in the body• Serve as the body’s repair system• Renew and Replenish other cells

Types of Stem cells

1. Totipotent – have unlimited capacity to become anything. – Can become a new person– Usually give rise to Pluripotent stem cells

2. Pluripotent – can give rise to most tissues – Cannot change back into Totipotent stem cells– Can become other stem cells

3. Multipotents – more specific stem cells that are found in adults and children– Used to replenish old/worn out cells

Where do stem cells come from?

1. Embryonic – blastocyst (embryo)

2. Adult – umbilical cord cells, placenta, children, adults

3. Scientists can now create stem cells in the lab using cells from our bodies (by adding genes = genetic engineering)

Why are stem cells important to us

1. To study how organisms grow and develop2. Can replace damaged/diseased cells3. Stem cell therapy

Possible uses of stem cell research

• Replace tissues and organs• Repair defective tissues• Delivery of genetic therapies• Delivery of chemotherapy