Cells
The basic unit from which all living organisms are built up, consisting of a cell membrane surrounding cytoplasm and a nucleus.
Polymerase chain reaction
PCR is a series of temperature-controlled reactions which enable us to amplify a very tiny sample of DNA, producing enough material for it to be analysed or used in DNA profiling.
Stem cells
Cells which can divide repeatedly without becoming differentiated and have the capacity to develop into a diverse range of specialised cell types.
Genetic engineering
Genetic engineering involves changing the DNA of an organism, usually by deleting, inserting or editing a gene to produce desired characteristics.
Biotechnology
The use of biological organisms or enzymes to create, break down or transform a material.
What can stem cells do?
Stem cells exist naturally in the body to replace damaged cells and tissues. Research into stem cells could allow:
- the development of a treatment that allows people paralysed because of spinal injuries to walk again
- the possibility of growing replacement organs that are matched to the patient
- genetic disorders to be studied and new drugs to treat them tested.
None of these are readily available yet - but trials are underway to investigate whether they are possible.
To order a free set of ABPI schools posters on the following topics: biotechnology, cloning, genetic engineering, unravelling the genome, polymerase chain reaction and stem cells, please fill in our order form.
How to use this site
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Glossary
A list of often difficult or specialised words with their definitions.