1. An introduction to Stem Cells

2. Learning Outcome Today we are going to find out what stem cells are, where they are found in our bodies and why they are important for us in the context of our Health & Wellbeing.

3. Revision Activity Individually, come up with a spider diagram which pulls together everything you remember about Cells. Cell Biology

4. Your time starts now!

5. What did you remember?

6. Cells are the building blocks of all life Unicellular and Multicellular Structure of Animal and Plant Cells Ultrastructure Organelles Microscopes and Staining Role of Cell membranes Role of Lipids Diffusion Osmosis Passive and Active Transport DNA Cell Division Mitosis DNA and its structure mRNA Structure of Proteins Enzymes Genetic Engineering Stages of Photosynthesis Limiting factors of photosynthesis You already know a lot about cells! But it’s time to look at something new…

7. What are Stem Cells?

9. Why is it important stem cells both self renew and differentiate? Think about what happens when you cut yourself. You get a paper cut or a grazed knee…you lose some blood, and your body begins to repair itself by clotting…

10. Where are my Stem Cells? - Stem Cells can be found throughout your body: -Bone Marrow -Pancreas -Retina -Brain -Skin -Liver -Muscles -Blood -Gut -Lungs But – these stores of stem cells can only produce a limited variety of specialist cell types.

11. A very early Embryo (about 5 days after fertilization) contains embryonic stem cells that are capable of creating all other cells in the body.

12. Get into small groups and produce a large poster focussing on Stem Cells/ developments in Stem Cell science. Your poster should: Detail what Stem Cells are Include at least one diagram Be bright and attractive Outline some of the ethical issues surrounding stem cells You will need to present your poster as a small group to your class.