Embryonic Stem Cell Research Pros And Cons

Editorial: embryonic stem cell research Embryonic stem cell research is a topic of that has been discussed extensively over the last two decades. Stem cells are a type of self-replicating cell that can usually differentiate to produce any specific type of cell (Liou 3). There have been many different arguments regarding these cells. Some believe that the use of stem cells will save lives in the future. Still the ethical issue involved with embryonic stem cell research proposes a great deal of opposition. The disadvantage and ethical issues of embryonic stem cell research can be resolved through the other ethical alternatives. The use of embryonic stem cells for research is an unethical practice for many reasons. For example, the embryos

For example, the research done on embryonic stem cells is not even yet applicable to some medical procedures yet because the research is undeveloped. When a scientist wants to culture an embryonic stem cell, they place a fertilized embryo in a culture dish. In order to make stem cells, the embryo must begin to form a cell line. However, in many cases, a cell line is not even able to begin to form from the embryo, making the culturing process inefficient (Stem Cell Basics 1). If a cell line can form successfully, then there is another problem scientist face involving embryonic stem cell. This relates to the process of spontaneous differentiation, or when cells begin to form specific types of cells very quickly, like nerve or muscles cells. This can become uncontrolled and is again inefficient because it inhibits scientists from culturing specific types of cells (Stem Cell Basics 2). Scientist cannot yet “direct the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into specific cell types” either (Stem Cell Basics 3). Finally, if scientist were able to easily differentiate a cell and be able to use it for transplants, the cells would risk rejection by the body of the person receiving the transplant (6 Pros and Cons of Adult Stem Cells 1). This is because the embryonic stem cells were not produced by that person’s own body and therefore, may not have the same genetic properties. Because of the disadvantages involved in embryonic stem cell research, other methods have been developed which are great