STEM CELLS: The Facts

  • In order of least differentiated to most differentiated, stem cells can be classified as Totipotent, Pluripotent, or Multipotent
  • There are currently three clinical trials being done with stem cells
  • Researchers hope to use stem cells to treat diseases such as Parkinson's Disease, spinal cord injury, burns, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes
  • Like other medical treatments, Stem Cell treatment has risks including infection and the development of tumors
  • Embryotic and Adult Stem Cells are similar in numerous characteristics, but Adult Stem Cells are much more differentiated
  • Stem cell transplant is not perfect; many obstacles such as cell survival and proper differentiation must be met first
  • Adult Stem Cells have been used for bone marrow transplants which shows they can be successful
  • No transplants have been successful for Embryotic Stem Cells as of this time
  • Embryonic Stem Cells have shown success in in vitro trials and in animals
  • Adult Stem Cells are difficult to culture and isolate
  • Other than treatment, stem cells can be used for human development studies and disease studies
  • Stem cells are (for all purposes) are immortal so they can be stored indefinitely in Stem Cell Lines
  • Cord blood can be saved from an individual and used if needed in order to avoid rejection
  • The important part of the blastocyst is the Inner Cell Mass; this is where Embryonic Stem Cells are found
  • An example of Adult Stem Cells is the ones in the bone marrow: they are multipotent and can only become various types of blood cells


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