Human embryonic stem cells are cells that are pluripotent, meaning that they are able to differentiate into any of the various cell types. Scientists are able to obtain these stem cells from eggs that have developed into embryos through the process of in vitro fertilization. In vitro fertilization is a process where the egg and sperm are combined in a lab rather than in a female. There are a few issues involving these stem cells. For these cells to have any type of use, there would need to be a sizable amount of them, which has yet to be done. Another issue is that the only differentiation that has occurred has been spontaneous when it would preferably be directed (Pera, Reubinoff, & Trounson, 2000). However, there are quite a few diseases …show more content…
These cells that were originally multipotent are able to become pluripotent. There are advantages and disadvantages of induced pluripotent stem cells in comparison to embryonic stem cells. One of the major disadvantages of using these cells is that during the process of turning these adult cells into induced pluripotent ones, viruses are utilized to do so. These viruses are known to at times cause cancer (“Stem cell information,” 2009). Although there are downsides from using induced pluripotent stem cells, there is great gain as well. An advantage is that these cells make embryonic stem cells somewhat obsolete. There is some debate as to whether or not embryonic stem cells are ethical to use. This eliminates that problem. Another advantage is that these cells are being improved. Data has shown that epigenetic memory remains in induced pluripotent stem cells, which makes the cells slightly different from embryonic stem cells. However, the process of nuclear transfer when turning the adult stem cells into induced pluripotent stem cells makes these cells most similar to embryonic stem cells (Mckinney-Freeman et al.,