(i) Stem cells are undifferentiated cells found in most of the multicellular animals. 
(ii) These cells maintain their undifferentiated state even after undergoing repeated mitotic divisions.
(iii) Stem cells research has the potential to revolutionize the future of medicine with the ability to regenerate damaged and diseased organs.
(iv) Stem cell research has the potential to revolutionize the future of medicine with the ability to regenerate damaged and diseased organs.
(v) They are capable of self renewal and exhibit 'cellular potency'.
(vi) They can differentiate into all types of cells that are derived from any of the three germ layers ecto, endo and mesoderms.
(vii) In mammals there are two types of stem cells namely embryonic stem cells & adult stem cells (ES).
(viii) ES are pleuripotent and can produce the three primary germ layers ectoderm, Mesoderm and endoderm.
(ix) Embryonic stem cells are multipotent stem cells that can differentiate into a number of type of cells.
(x) ES cells are isolated from the epiblast tissue of the inner cell mass of a blastocyst.
(xi) When stimulated ES can develop into more than 200 cells Qpes of the adult body.
(xii) ES cells are immortal i.. e they can proliferate in a sterile culture medium and maintain their undifferentiated state.
(xiii) Adult stem cells are found in various tissues of children as well as adults.
(xiv) An adult stem cell or somatic stem cell can divide and create another cell similar to it.
(xv) Most of the adult stem cells are multipotent and can act as a repair system of the body and replenishing adult tissues.
(xvi) The red bone marrow is a rich source of adult stem cells.
(xvii) The most important and potential application of human stem cells is the generation of cells and tissues that could be used for cell based therapies.
(xviii) Human stem cells could be used to test new drugs.

1. A patient is suffering from ADA deficiency can be caused by using "gene therapy''.
2. Gene therapy is a correction of a genetic defect that has been diagnosed in a child embryo.
3. ADA enzyme is crucial fol the immune system to function.
4. Deletion of the gene for adenosine deaminase results into ADA deficiency.
5. In some children, ADA deficiency can be cured by bone. Marrow transplantation While in others it can be treated by enzyme replacement therapy, in which functional ADA is given to the patient by injection. But the problem with both of these approaches is that they are not completely curative.
6. It may recurrent in nature as in the process of gene therapy, Lymphocytes used are found not to be immortal in nature and the patient requires a periodic infusion of such genetically engineered lymphocytes.
7. For permanent cure, gene isolated from the bone-marrow-cells producing ADA is introduced into cells at early embryonic stages.

(i) Gene therapy:
1. Gene therapy is the treatment of heredity disorders by replacing a faulty gene by a normal healthy functional gene.
(ii) The first clinical gene therapy was given in 1990 by French Anderson to a four year old girl with adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency.
(iii) The lymphocytes from the blood of the patient are removed and grown in a nutrient culture medium.
1. A healthy and functional human gene, ADA cDNA encoding this enzyme is introduced into the lymphocytes using a retrovirus.
2. The genetically engineered lymphocytes are subsequently returned to the patient.
3. These cells are not immortal, the patient requires a periodic infusion of such genetically engineered lymphocytes.

(i) Genetic immunization by using DNA vaccines is a novel approach that came into being in 1990.
(ii) The immune response of the body is stimulated by a DNA molecule.
(iii) A DNA vaccine consists of a gene encoding an antigen protein, inserted on to a plasmid, and then incorporated into the cells in a target animal.
(iv) DNA instructs the cells to make antigenic molecules which are displayed on its surfaces. This would evoke an antibody response to the free floating antigen secreted by the cells.
(v) The DNA vaccine cannot cause the disease as it contains only copies of a few of its genes.
(vi) DNA vaccines are relatively easy and inexpensive to design and produce.
(vii) Vaccines produced by these new techniques have definite advantages like producing target proteins, long lasting immunity and trigger immune response only against specific pathogens with less toxic effects.