If someone were to ask me what stem cells were I would have to tell them that they make up whatever the humans attributes can be. These cells can renew themselves through something called cell division or mitosis. While they do this they also function as organ cells which can come in handy to those who need specific transplants or ect. Stem cells can generate different replacements in the body such as repairing internal injuries such as a tear in a muscle or ligament and bacteria within the body itself. Then if another person asked me (or the same person it doesn't matter) what these cells everyone is talking about can be used for, I would tell them in some cases they can help heal burned skin, help slow the process of a particular brain disease called alzheimer, and help reduce the side effects of parkinsons disease. There are treatments today with antibiotics and over the counter drugs that can help reduce the side effects of diseases that attack the body.
Now the thing is the difference between embryonic stem cells and adult cells. Embryonic stem cells come from embryos living within the uterus of a woman. They are developed from eggs that have been fertilized into the vitro-fertilization process which in most cases are donated by a woman for research purposes, or even to reproduce. The adult stem cell or what some may call it the "undifferentiated" cell is found within the cells that renew itself within the tissue or organ. They work to repair, as I wrote about above. The controversy, however, is brought up more often when people are speaking about the embryonic stem cell and the research that is going on. People that are pro stem cell research see these cells as a way to heal illnesses and disabilities that are uncommonly cured while those against the research see these cells as potential human beings. Both make complete sense, but when it comes down, once again, to what is morally acceptable and right, if it is the beginning of a human, we should not use it in any other form.
In my opinion stem cell research could be used for good, but I disagree with it because it is indeed potentially a human being.
http://www.topnews.in/files/embryonic-stem-cells.jpg
Good post. Just one clarification: people are not necessarily against stem cell research, just against the use and destruction of embryos for that research. I am all for stem cell research that does not involve the destruction of embryos.
ReplyDeleteCan you try adding the picture again?
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