Relevance:
Recently, six children with rare disorders caused by deletion in the genomes of their mitochondria were successfully treated for the first time by Stem-cell derived Mitochondria Transplantation.
Key Points:
- Process involved –
- Mitochondrial transplant from donor mothers into children’s haematopoietic stem cells, which give rise to all types of blood cells.
- Spontaneous mitochondrial transfer of the stem cell to rescue the injured cells
- Injection of stem cell isolated mitochondria into the injured area to repair the damage
- Stem cells –
- Most primitive cells at the top of the origin of cell lines.
- They have a high capacity for differentiation and self-renewal.
- Can differentiate into various tissues, organs, or functional cells of the human body.
- Holds great promise for therapeutic tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
About Mitochondria:
- They are membrane-bound semi-autonomous cell organelles.
- Referred to as the powerhouses of the cell.
- They generate most of the chemical energy stored in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) that powers the cell’s biochemical reactions.
- They contain their own Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA).
- They are inherited only from the mother in almost all multicellular organisms.
- They are present at the base of the mammalian sperm’s tail, which is used for propelling the sperm cells.
With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2012)
- Stem cells can be derived from mammals only
- Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs
- Stem cells can be used for medical therapies
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Reference: The Hindu
