nature.ca
The GEEE! in GENOME logo
HomeFrançaisSearchGlossaryFor EducatorsFor the Press
We Are All Alike The Basics Using Genomics The Researchers Try it!
Icon: Using Genomics

 

Home > Using Genomics

Using Genomics

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are cells that have not yet made a career choice. They can specialize to become many types of cells in the human body.

Stem cells appear in the human about one week after conception. Scientists are very interested in them because they have so many different uses.

Stem cells are capable of regenerating human tissues. One day, they may serve to treat all kinds of illnesses, repair tissues, and even create replacement organs. Already they are used to treat blood diseases such as leukemia. However, because of their origin, their use is very controversial.

Genetic disorders

 

Cloning and stem cells

 

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

 

DNA detectives

 
   
 

In this section:

   
   
1) Illustration: Where to stem cells come from?  
   
 
   
  2) Photo: Blood stem cells (Hematopoietics) taken from an umbilical cord.  
  

Enlarge image.Blood stem cells (Hematopoietics) taken from an umbilical cord.

  
     
  3) Photo: Embryonic stem cells.  
  

Enlarge image.Embryonic stem cells.

  
     

 

 
Poll

Do you agree with the use of stem cells for the production of transplant organs?

  



 
View Results
 
 
   

Cloning endangered species < Previous

Next > Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

 
 

Contact Us   Site Map    Resources   Credits    Exhibition on Tour    Public Forum Series

Last Update: 2008-09-29  © nature.ca    Important Notices
A Canadian Museum of Nature Web site, developed in cooperation with its partners.

Image credits: 1) The Geee! in Genome; 2) Juergen Berger, Max-Planck Institute / Science Photo Library; 3) Harry Turner / National Research Council Canada.