Liam Sheji

Extended Learning
Stem Cell Research
This is just me answering commonly asked questions about stem cells.

Compare and contrast the two main types of stem cells.

Stem cells are cells with the ability to divide for indefinite periods in culture and to give
rise to specialized cells. There two main types of stem cells, adult stem cells and embryonic stem
cells. Embryonic stem cells are undifferentiated cells derived from a 5-day preimplantation
embryo that are capable of dividing without differentiating for a prolonged period in culture.
Adult stem cells are relatively rare undifferentiated cell found in many organs and differentiated
tissues with a limited capacity for both self-renewal (in the laboratory) and differentiation.
Embryonic stem cells are found in the inner cell mass in the blastocyst when sperm and egg
come together. Adult stem cells are found in tissues in the adult human body.
What is differentiation, and how do the different types of stems cells become differentiated
Differentiation is the process whereby an unspecialized embryonic cell acquires the
features of a specialized cell such as a heart, liver, or muscle cell. Differentiation is controlled by
the interaction of a cell's genes with the physical and chemical conditions outside the cell,
usually through signaling pathways involving proteins embedded in the cell surface.
How are embryonic stem cells made?
Embryonic stem cells are made in the blastocyst after fertilization occurs. When sperm
and egg come together, in a process known as fertilization, it's forms a gamete. As mitosis occurs
and cells are made and divided, eventually, the morula is formed, which is a bundle of cells.
After a couple more days, the morula transforms into a blastocyst and inside the blastocyst is a
bundle of cells called the inner cell mass. The inner cell mass has these embryonic stem cells in
them.
How are somatic stem cells made naturally? Where can they be found in nature?.
Adult stems cells are made and found naturally in the human body. They can be found in
the blood, in nerves, in bone marrow, and the brain. They reside in a certain area in the tissue
known as a "niche".
How are somatic stem cells made in the lab?
Somatic cells can be turned into somatic stem cells in the lab. This technique is called
somatic cell nuclear transfer. First, a somatic cell is denucleated (nucleus is removed). Next, the
somatic cell nucleus is placed into a denucleated egg cell. The egg cell is then stimulated to
divide. Once the inner cell mass of the blastocyst is isolated and cultured, you have stem cells.

How are iPSC made?

iPSCs are Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. They are stem cells reprogrammed to enter an
embryonic stem celllike state by being forced to express factors important for maintaining the
"stemness" of embryonic stem cells. To make them, scientists first need to genetically reprogram
an adult stem cell to act like embryonic stem cells. After a few days, they have pluripotent stem
cells that can be made into any type of cell.
What are the pros and cons of each method that makes stem cells?
Embryonic- The pros to using ES cells is that they have the ability to become any cell in
the body, so they could be used in therapies and treatments for diseases. Also ES cells can renew
indefinitely. The cons about using ES cells is that to obtain them, you have to fertilize egg and
sperm and then take the cells out of the embryo and kill it.
Adult stem cells- The pros to using adult stem cells are they too can be used in medical
treatments, such as blood related diseases. The cons to using Somatic cells are that they have
limited renewal ability and are relatively rare in the human body.
iPSCs- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells pros are that they can be used in many treatments or even
be made into a whole mouse. Also when transplanted into a person, it won't trigger their immune
system to attack them. The cons of using iPSCs are that it involves genetic reprogramming,
which concerns many people and they dont agree with playing with genetics.
What is the current research trying to accomplish with somatic stem cells?
Recent issues researchers are trying to accomplish with stem cells are ring made in adult
stems cells and iPSCs. Researchers want to truly figure out the wonders and dangers of iPSCs
before they test them out on humans. One such finding is that some nice with iPSCs in the have
developed cancer in them, which has led researchers to think they the iPSCs were responsible.
How long have stem cells been used to cure medical ailments?
Doctors have been using stem cells for bone marrow transplants for decades, but not
using ES cells. From 1998 to present day, doctors have been using ES cells for medical ailments.

http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/pages/basics1.aspx
http://www.stemcellresearch.org/
https://explorable.com/stem-cell-pros-and-cons