Pros And Cons Of Embryonic Stem Cells

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Embryonic stem cells come with numerous pros and cons. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are stem cells derived from the undifferentiated inner mass cells of a human embryo. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they are able to grow into all derivatives of the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. These cells can be grown easily in culture. Stem cells differ from other kinds of cells in the body. All stem cells, regardless of their source, have three general properties. They are capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods, they are unspecialized and they can give rise to specialized cell types. Additionally, under defined conditions, embryonic stem cells are capable of spreading themselves indefinitely.