Therapeutic Value of Stem Cells Worksheet

Stem cells are the basis for every organ and tissue in our bodies. We continually rely on stem cells to replace and rejuvenate tissues lost every day, such as hair, blood, and skin. Stem cells have two important properties: self-renewal (making copies) and differentiation, which lead to the cells that make up our organ and tissue systems.

Completing this activity will assist you in mastering Module Level Outcome 1.

First:

1.Review

Understanding Stem Cells [PDF, file size 974 KB] from the National Academies

oStem Cell Facts (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. [PDF, file size 360.11 KB] from the International Society for Stem Cell Research

2.View

oWhat are stem cells? (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. [Video, 04:10 mins] – Craig A. Kohn

Next, submit the following:

·Download a copy of the therapeutic value of stem cells worksheet[doc, file size 44.5 KB] in a Word document format, complete all of the questions, and then save and submit it.

You are also encouraged to do your own research through our library on the topic. Do not forget to include in-text citations and complete APA style references for all sources. The Excelsior Library Citation Tip Sheets and Resources (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. will be a helpful guide. You may also wish to use a citation generator – you just insert the information, and it creates the citation in the format you indicate (MLA or APA, for example). Here are 3 citation generators to choose from:

1.Citation Machine (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

2.Bibme (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

3.EasyBib (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Compose your work in a .doc or .docx file type using a word processor (such as Microsoft Word, etc.) and save it frequently to your computer. For those assignments that are not written essays and require uploading images or PowerPoint slides, please follow uploading guidelines provided by your instructor.

Check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors. When you are ready to submit your work, click “Upload Submission.” Enter the submission title and then click on “Select a file to upload.” Browse your computer, and select your file. Click “Open” and verify the correct file name has appeared next to Submission File. Click on “Continue.” Confirm submission is correct and then click on “Accept Submission & Save.”

Worksheet: The Therapeutic Value of Stem Cells

Student name:

Objective: To understand the therapeutic value of stem cells

About tissue stem cells

Stem cells are one of the most amazing types of cells because they can make both (1) ____________________ and (2)________________________________________.

1. We need stem cells in our bodies. What would happen to you if you did not have stem cells?

(Your response should be a paragraph—3-4 sentences—in length.)

Tissue stem cells have the potential to make several types of specialized cells, but not all specialized cells. For example, blood stem cells can make all the different types of cells in your blood, but they cannot make skin cells.

Question 1 used with permission of EuroStemCell. (Creative Commons license)

2. Describe the systematic process a multipotent or somatic stem cell would go through in giving rise to multiple components of the nervous system. Use correct cell names and terms in your description. Refer to the diagram in your reading “Stem Cell Facts” from the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) (under Tissue-specific stem cells, page 2).

Therapeutic value of stem cells

First:

Read the article from US News and World Report:

3. Provide one more reason why Doctor Chazenbalk is doing this research. (Your response should be a paragraph 3-4 sentences long. Include references and in-text citations.)

Scientists can now take a cell from anybody’s tissue (for example, a skin cell) and turn it into a cell that behaves like stem cells from an embryo.

4. What are these special types of cells called?

5. Why are Doctor Chazenbalk and other researchers eager to use this technique with a specific type of cell to study heart disease? (Your response should be a paragraph 3-4 sentences long. Include references and in-text citations).