Stem Cells Web Tour
Stem cell biology is an active area of science research with political and social implications. It is important that you understand the scientific basis of stem cells and their potential therapeutic and regenerative applications. There has been a lot of hope for the future of stem cell research. Scientists in many different areas look forward to finding treatments and cures for many disabling and fatal diseases.
Author tsheehan
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1Introduction to the Stem Cells Web Tour
The purpose of this web tour is to help you explore what stem cells are, where they are located, how they develop, and how they function. This web tour also reviews different methods of obtaining stem cells, the potential use of the types obtained in helping cure diseases and disabilities, and how the source relates to the controversy over stem cell research.
Dowload the linked Stem Cell worksheet as a Word doc to complete as you work through the activity.
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2Bioethical Issues: Stem Cells
Overview of the bioethical issues related to Stem Cells. Make sure to click the "More" link to view the entire reading.
http://www.thehastingscenter.org/Issues/Default.aspx?v=260
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3Human Embryo Development
Human embryonic development depends on stem cells. During the course of development, cells divide, migrate, and specialize. Early in development, a group of cells called the inner cell mass (ICM) forms. These cells are able to produce all the tissues of the body. Later in development, during gastrulation, the three germ layers form, and most cells become more restricted in the types of cells that they can produce.
http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/media/human_emb_dev-lg.mov
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4The Nature of Stem Cells
Stem cells play many important roles in our bodies from embryonic development through adulthood.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/scintro/
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5Differentiation and the Fate of Cells
As a human embryo develops, its cells become progressively restricted in the types of specialized cells that they can produce. Inner cell mass (ICM) cells of the blastocyst can make any type of body cell. Gastrula-stage cells can give rise to the cells of a given germ layer. Later, cells become even more restricted. For example, the pancreatic bud of the endoderm layer can only make the cells of the pancreas.
http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/media/differentiation-lg.mov
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6Cytoplasmic Factors
Cytoplasmic factors play a significant part in determining how a cell develops. This segment discusses their importance in turning the appropriate genes on and off for proper development.
http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/media/cytoplasmic_factors-lg.mov
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7The Story of IPS Cells
Stem cells can now be created from differentiated cells.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/ips/
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8Stem Cell Quick Reference
Learn about some different types of stem cells and their potential for treating diseases.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/quickref/
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9How Embryonic Stem Cell Lines are Made
This animation presents the basics on how stem cell lines are established.
http://www.dnalc.org/resources/animations/stemcells.html
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10Go, Go Stem Cells
Send activating signals to stem cells and watch them get to work!
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/sctypes/
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11Stem Cells in Use
Stem cell therapies have been curing diseases for decades.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/sctoday/
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12Unlocking Stem Cell Potential
Researchers are working on new ways to use stem cells in medicine.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/scfuture/
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13The Stem Cell Debate, Is It Over?
New developments in research are changing the conversation about stem cells.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/scissues/