By: Caroline Webster
The definition of a stem cell

A stem cell is a cell that has the ability to continuously
divide and develop into other kinds of cells and tissues.
• Its the bodies
natural repair
system.
• It’s the way
the body
renews itself.
• It’s a very
controlled
process.
http://www.tellmeaboutstemcells.org/stemcell-basics/index.php
Unspecialized Cells

Stem cells don't have
a specific job or
function but they
have the potential to
become specialized
cell types. They
become heart cells,
nerve cells, brain
cells or any of the
220 cell types.
http://www.dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com
/print.aspx?id=3346
http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellularmicroscopic/stem-cell1.htm
Why does the body use stem
cells?

Regenerative medicine- Stem cells for
example repair your organs..

The body uses specific tissue stem cells to
replace cells when they die

Ex- The intestines: when you replace the lining
of your intestines the stem cells are hard at
work beneath the lining of the intestine
replacing the cells
Types of stem cells
Unlimited or embryonic stem cells are
pluripotent- Meaning the can be grown into
any kind of tissue in the body
More promising for curing diseases
Unlimited stem cells can be replicated
outside of the body.
Limited stem cells also known as adult
stem cells are rare. These types of stem
cells are used to repair organs and tissues
from where they came.
Limited stem cells can not be replicated
http://www.tellmeaboutstemcells.org/stem-outside of the body, they must be frozen.
cell-basics/the-two-types.php
Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is the loss of brain function.

Researchers injected stem cells into mice and were able to
identify that these human cells which were from adipose
tissue behaved in a special way.

These stem cells were able to migrate through the blood
barrier and into the brain.

They injected the mice for ten months and after analysis
they discovered it improved the ability to learn and
remember.
http://drjockers.com/2012/11/naturalsolutions-to-beat-alzheimers-disease/
Citations





Works Cited
"10 Talks on the Future of Stem Cell Medicine." TED
Blog 10 Talks on the Future of Stem Cellmedicine
Comments. TedConferences, 13 Sept. 2012. Web.
15 Sept. 2014.
"Adult Stem Cells Can Prevent Alzheimer's Disease."
News-Medical.net. AZoNetwork Site, 27 Sept. 2012.
Web. 15 Sept. 2014.
"Frequently Asked Questions." Stem Cell Basics
[Stem Cell Information]. NIH, 28 Apr. 2009. Web. 15
Sept. 2014.
"Stem Cells." Stem Cells. University of Utah. Web.
15 Sept. 2014.