1. Stem cells the Issue

2. Learning Objectives 1.To understand why some people may not agree with the use of embryonic stem cells. 2.To know whether there are any problems related to embryo screening.

3. Dilemma Doctors have treated people with adult stem cells for many years using bone marrow transplants. Scientists are getting closer to treating people with embryonic stem cells. People have strong opinions about this.

4. Pros for using Stem Cells Stems could be used to help treat paralysis, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Embryos are generally spare embryos left from IVF treatment which would be destroyed anyway. Embryos are being created from adult cells for use in therapy, they would never become babies. Stem cells could be taken from the umbilical cord of newborn babies. Embryonic stem cells could be used to grow new organs and tissues.

5. Cons for using Stem Cells Embryonic stem cell treatment is experimental and there is a risk that they may cause problems such as cancers. All embryos could become babies, therefore is it unethical to test on them. Embryos cannot give permission to be used, again it is unethical. It is costing a lot of money and taking a long time to develop, could this money be better spent on adult stem cell research or new drugs.

6. Make a table of pros and cons of stem cell research.

7. Embryo Screening Genetic testing for disorders that can be passed on through genetics helps people to decide whether to start a family. Some couples who have an inherited disorder may wish to have their embryo screened to check for the disorder. This will help them to decide whether to keep the baby or abort it. Some couples with an inherited disorder may have their embryos (by IVF) screened (one cell is checked) the healthy embryos can be implanted back into the mother.

8. Tasks What is embryo screening? Why might some couples wish to have this done? What is your opinion on stem cell research?

10. Mark Scheme

11. Videos http://www.teachersmedia.co.uk/videos/ste m-cells-religious-anglehttp://www.teachersmedia.co.uk/videos/ste m-cells-religious-angle http://www.teachersmedia.co.uk/videos/ste m-cells-wheelchair-userhttp://www.teachersmedia.co.uk/videos/ste m-cells-wheelchair-user http://www.teachersmedia.co.uk/videos/ks 3-ks4-science-big-screen-science-stem- cell-controversyhttp://www.teachersmedia.co.uk/videos/ks 3-ks4-science-big-screen-science-stem- cell-controversy