Use of cells in

Australian
medical
research 
Stem cells
First way cells are used in Australian Medical
Research
What is a stem cell?
⊳ Most cells have a set function or purpose. 
⊳ Stem cells do not.
⊳ When stem cells make more cells (this process is
called cell division)these cells can become specialised
cells.
⊳ Scientists can influence stem cells to make certain
specialised cells. 
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 Scientists are working to develop therapies
that use stem cells to replace defective or
damaged cells in the body. For instance, in a
laboratory stem cells could be influenced to
develop into a particular type of specialized
cell, such as liver cells. If enough liver cells
were grown to produce liver tissue that
worked normally, they could be transplanted
 into a person whose own liver had failed.
-Encyclopedia Britannica 

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Genome editing in
plants/crops (Genetic
Modification)

The Second way cells are/can be used in Australian

medical research

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What is genetic modification in plants/crops

⊳ Genetic modification is a way to change the genes of

plants or animals.
⊳ This is done by transferring DNA into plants. These
plants' seeds will inherit the DNA.

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To use, or not to use... genetic modification

⊳ There is great controversy surrounding genetic

modification. While some scientists argue it will be
the only way to feed the growing population, others
argue it could cause illness, allergic reactions or organ
damage.

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Credits
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stem cell
stem cell (2021). Available at: https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/stem-cell/544349 (Accessed: 22 February 2021)
What are GM crops and how is it done? | Royal Society
What are GM crops and how is it done? | Royal Society. (2021). Retrieved 1 March 2021, from
https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/gm-plants/what-is-gm-and-how-is-it-done/
Information on genetically modified organisms | Agriculture and Food

Information on genetically modified organisms | Agriculture and Food. (2021). Retrieved 1 March 2021, from
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/genetic-modification/information-genetically-modified-organisms

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Bibliography continued
⊳ Zhang, Y., Massel, K., Godwin, I. D. and Gao, C.
⊳ Zhang, Y., Massel, K., Godwin, I., & Gao, C. (2018).
Applications and potential of genome editing in crop
improvement. Genome Biology, 19(1). doi:
10.1186/s13059-018-1586-y

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