Stem Cell Research Debate

15 Pages 3628 Words

ypes of stem cells: Embryonic, which are totipotent and have the ability to form a whole organism; embryonic germ stem cells, which are pluripotent and have the ability to fuse into countless cell varieties because of their unique biological and chemical properties, and adult stem cells, or mulitipotent stem cells, which have the ability to transform into a limited number of cell types. The report states that each classification of stem cells have miraculous regenerative powers; however, embryonic stem cells are the most malleable, and therefore have the most scientific promise in regard to therapeutic and clinical applications, whereas, multipotent or adult stem cells are more inadequate and restricted in their capacity to transform to other cells or tissues in the body because of their mature condition and their predetermined developmental path. For example, multipotent adult stem cells have the ability to transform into blood cells, which are lost and replaced continuously by the human body. Pluripotent stem cells, or embryonic germ cells; however, can differentiate into many advanced cell types in tissue culture, including neurons, blood cells, and cardiac and skeletal muscle tissue, which will be the most common use of stem cells for the future - the generation of cells and tissues that could be used to either create organs or tissues to be used in transplantation and to treat many diseases and disabilities.





LEGAL FRAMEWORK:

Stem cell research is compelling as it promises to cure life-threatening diseases and insufferable human conditions that lead to incredible pain and affliction and a lesser quality of life; however, breaking scientific ground is often accompanied by trepidation and reservation from those who fear that technology will be abused and misused. Often those who are the most anxious are government officials, and they can demonstrate clearly their suspicions by building monumental barriers that incl...