Page 26 - SCERT Kerala State Syllabus 8th Standard Basic Science Textbooks English Medium Part 1_Neat

Stem cells
Stem cells are specialized cells that can transform into any
kind of cells. Stem cells undergo constant differentiation and
get transformed into other kinds of cells.
Stem cells can either get transformed into other cells through
division or exist as such. When the cells in the tissues get
destroyed, new cells develop from the stem cells. Stem cells
are found in the bone marrow, skin, digestive tract etc.
Nowadays, science can develop the desired type of cells from
stem cells, in research centres, under specific laboratory
conditions.
It is expected that the research of stem cells can bring about
miraculous changes in the treatment of Blood cancer, Blood vessels developed
Diabetes, Parkinson disease etc., and also in the manufacture from the stem cells in blood.
of artificial organs.

Indicators

What are the peculiarities of stem cells when compared to other cells?

How is the destruction of cells in tissues compensated?
Why is stem cell research gaining importance?
Record the consolidation of your discussion in the science dairy. Now let us
read about the different types of animal tissues.

Animal tissues
Epithelial tissue

covers and protects the body.
lines the inner wall of the digestive tract.
performs functions such as protection, absorption
and production of secretions.

Nervous tissue

controls and coordinates physiological functions.

enables to respond identifying the changes inside
and outside the body.

Basic Science VIII 25