Stem cells - Year 8 Science

A mind map to help with stem cell revision :) This is the mind map I've created to revise for my science assessment. 

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  • Created by: Charlotte
  • Created on: 18-04-13 19:26
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  • Stem cells
    • Where can they be found?
      • Bone marrow
      • Embryo (able to be transplanted to be used to make any type of cell)
        • Could be used  to grow skin, a liver etc.
        • There is lots of controversy as to whether it is fair to use stem cells from an embryo.
      • Placenta
      • Umbilical cord
      • You can sometimes choose whether to donate the stem cells from your child's umbilical cord at the time of their birth.
    • It is better to  transplant stem cells as cells only last for a shorter period of time, whereas stem cells actually produce the cells.
    • A stem cell transplant can save someone's life.
    • In one case, stem cells were harvested from the pelvic bone marrow to be transplanted to somebody in need. They need this as they had no CD4 or CD8 cells which make up a vital part of our immune system.
    • To  be able to receive a stem cell transplant, you have to find the right match. This sometimes proves difficult as it takes a long time to find the appropriate donor.
    • Stem cells from other places other than an embryo are typically less flexible and are only able to produce the tissues in which they are found in.
    • There is the risk of immune rejection - (when the body rejects the transplant and recognise it as foreign and therefore attack it, sometimes resulting in the transplant not working.
    • Some patients will have to take immune suppressant drugs for the rest of their life after the transplant which will prevent the transplant from being rejected.

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