Understanding Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells

• Biology
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• GCSE

Understanding Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells

Introduction to Stem Cells

Stem cells are special cells in the body that can turn into many different types of cells.

What do you already know about stem cells?

Which of the following is a source of adult stem cells?

1. Bone marrow
2. Lung tissue
3. Placenta
4. Umbilical cord blood

What is the property of stem cells that allows them to develop into different cell types?

1. Unipotency
2. Multipotency
3. Omnipotency
4. Pluripotency

Which of the following is a potential use of stem cells?

1. Designing new electronic devices
2. Producing renewable energy sources
3. Treating diseases and injuries
4. Creating new species of animals

What are the two main types of stem cells?

1. Epithelial and connective tissue stem cells
2. Red blood cell and white blood cell stem cells
3. Embryonic and adult stem cells
4. Muscle and nerve stem cells

Types of Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells: derived from embryos and can change into any type of cell in the body.
Adult stem cells: found in grown-up animals and can only change into a few types of cells.

Potential Applications

Stem cells can be used in medicine, but there are debates about the right and wrong of using them, especially embryonic stem cells.

Ethical Considerations

Debate over the morality and legality of using certain types of stem cells for research or medicine.

Recap and Conclusion

Review of the differences between embryonic and adult stem cells, and the potential uses and ethical considerations of both types.

Definition List

Stem Cells: Cells with the potential to develop into many different types of cells in the body.
Embryonic Stem Cells: A type of stem cell that is derived from embryos and has the ability to turn into any cell type.
Adult Stem Cells: A type of stem cell found in adult tissues that can regenerate into a limited range of cells.
Ethical Considerations: The debate over the morality and legality of using certain types of stem cells for research or medicine.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

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Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

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Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.