Module B1: You and Your Genes

Module B1.4: What are stem cells, and why could they be useful in treating some diseases?

3. Understand how clones of animals occur:

• naturally, when cells of an embryo separate (identical twins);
• artificially, when the nucleus from an adult body cell is transferred to an empty unfertilised egg cell;

4. Recall that embryonic stem cells are unspecialised cells that can develop into any type of cell;

5. Understand that there is the potential to use stem cells to treat some illnesses;

7. In the context of cloning embryos to produce large numbers of stem cells to treat illnesses, can:

• say clearly what the issue is;
• summarise different views that may be held;
• identify and develop arguments based on the ideas that:
  • The right decision is the one which leads to the best outcome for the majority of people involved;
  • Certain actions are never justified because they are unnatural or wrong