Human Embryonic Stem Cells

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Human embryonic stem cells were known before a decade ago that they could be extremely adaptable and could be converted into any type of cell in the body (heart, liver, blood). Stem cell investigators in the year 1998 were able to develop human embryonic stem cells and started the new era called “regenerative medicine” where they can develop ways in which they can replace diseased and injured cells in bodies with serious illnesses. (3)
Stem cells have two characteristics that no other cells have. They can renew themselves by cell division and can differentiate into different cell types like those of bone and muscle. These cells are important towards a human’s health and development because they have a role in the maintenance of our organs and …show more content…

The Embryonic stem cells are grown in laboratories from cells found in early embryos whereas tissue stem cells are found in our own bodies. The Induced pluripotent (reprogrammed) stem cells are similar to the embryonic but are made from adult specialized cells using a laboratory technique. (4) Stem cells may be pluripotent or multipotent. Stem cells that are pluripotent can give rise to any cell in the body other than those needed to support and develop a fetus in the womb whereas multipotent stem cells can only give rise to a small number of different cell types. …show more content…

Stem cells aren’t only able to stop a disease from proceeding, but it can also restore anything that was injured. To many people it sounds like a great thing but to some, they think it’s an inhumane thing to do. Having to destroy human embryos sounds like a huge problem to people who hold a religious viewpoint or hold moral issues as an important factor. So is stem cell research really a good thing or a bad thing?

References:

1. Bellomo, Michael. The Stem Cell Divide: The Facts, the Fiction, and the Fear Driving the Greatest Scientific, Political, and Religious Debate of Our Time. New York: American Management Association, 2006. Questia School. Web. 13 Sept. 2015.
2. "Britain Debates Taking Lead in Human Cloning." The Florida Times
Union. 23 Jan. 2001. Questia School. Web. 13 Sept. 2015.
3. Cohen, Cynthia B. Renewing the Stuff of Life: Stem Cells, Ethics, and
Public Policy. New York: Oxford UP, 2007. Questia School. Web. 13 Sept. 2015.
4. Cox, Claire. "Types of Stem Cells and Their Current Uses." EuroStemCell.
EuroStemCell, 17 Aug. 2012. Web. 13 Sept. 2015.
5. "Glimpse of Hope for the Blind Given Stem Cell Jab." Daily