Stem Cells

Stem Cell Biology: An animation based webquest.

Introduction: Stem cell biology is an active area of science research with political and social implications. As students, it is important that you understand the scientific basis of stem cells and their potential therapeutic applications. This webquest takes advantage of the many resources available on the internet. Because biology is best understood visually, the websites you will be examining present their information in the form of pictures, animations and videos.

Objectives: At the conclusion of this assignment the student will be able to:

1. Explain the role of stem cells in human development.

2. Describe the major stages in early human development.

3. Differentiate between adult and embryonic stem cells.

4. Define and give examples of cell differentiation.

5. Describe methods for harvesting, creating and culturing stem cells.

6. Provide examples of how stem cells can be useful in research and curing diseases.

7. Explain why some people believe that embryonic stem cell research should not be done.

Directions: Follow the links listed below to find each website and then answer the questions.

1. Basic of human embryology:

Websites:

http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/stemcells/mov/development.mov

http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/stemcells/mov/cellfate.mov

(These first two videos give an overview of the early stages of human development.

http://www.visembryo.com/baby/index.html

(Click on the cell in the lower left corner of the diagram. This will show you a picture of a fertilized egg. After that, click the next button on each diagram to advance through human development.

Questions:

1. Describe the following stages of development:

A. Zygote

B. Morula

C. Blastocyst

2. At what stage can stem cells be taken?...