Stem Cell Research

2 Pages 536 Words

Stem cell research is a complex about which there is much confusion. Stem cells are basically the first cells a human being has that develop into complex cells that perform specific functions throughout the body. There are two different types of stem cells; embryonic and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells come from embryos where as adult stem cells come from adults. The possibilities are endless for stem cell research and can include treatment for tissue diseases and organ transplants.
Stem cells are the most basic cells, for they are the first cells developed by the body. Stem cells are unspecialized cells, cells that function has not been determined, that can develop into a type of specialized cell, cells that perform a specific function, in the body such as a muscle cell or a blood cell. Stem cell research is the study of using a stem cell and useing it to heal a person. Stem cells are very unique because the can multiply and create unspecialized cells for your body.
Researchers are focusing their studies on two types of stem cells; embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are produced in vitro donors, who consent to have their cells harvested for research purposes. These cells are usually four or five days old when they are delivered by the donor. The cells taken from the donor are called Blastocyst which consists of approximately one hundred and fifty cells. The main purpose of studding these cells is to understand how cells are differentiated and develop in the body.
Adult stem cells can be found in different organs throughout the human body. Stem cells are unspecialized cells and will specialize to perform a specific task that is needed by the body. Scientist believed that adult stem cells were only developed in certain tissues. However, to there surprise these stem cells have been discovered in numerous tissues. The advantage of this is that now scientists believe these cells can be used for transp...