Stem Cell Research

STEM CELLS RESEARCH

Stem cells are specialized cells that can renew themselves and become specialized, mature cells. There are two types of stem cells: embryonic and adult. Embryonic stem cells can more rapidly and can differentiate more than adult stem cells. Adult stem cells don't divide as quick and cannot differentiate as good as embryonic stem cells can.

Stem cells are distinguished from other cell types by two key characteristics. First, they are unspecialized cells gifted of renewing themselves through cell division, occasionally after long periods of dormancy. Second, under certain physiologic or experimental situations, they can be persuaded to become tissue- or organ-specific cells with special tasks. In some organs, such as the gut and bone marrow, stem cells often divide to repair and substitute exhausted or injured tissues. In other organs, however, such as the pancreas and the heart, stem cells only divide in special circumstances.

Stem cell research is very controversial. Some people think that stem cell research is morally wrong and some people don't think it's wrong. Before I go on, stem cell research is where stem cells are taken from embryos to create new cells for any body parts. The stem cells are taken from human embryos.



I agree with allowing stem research for a few reasons. My first reason is that stem cells can be used for transplants of organs, bones, or even marrow. Another reason is that if the embryo is going to be aborted anyways, is dead, or even the mother is not in a condition for the embryo to develop; it is okay to use the stem cells from an embryo. Next, stem cells can be used to cure diseases, birth defects, or even cancer. Finally, stem cells can be used for medical therapies.

Technology will further impact the future in a couple of ways. First, it will be possible to clone humans to harvest organs, bones, marrow, and other body parts and body fluids for studying and transplants for those who need them. Also, it will make it possible to harvest embryonic stem cells more humanly and so it doesn't damage and/or kill the embryo.










Works Cited
Health, N. I. (2002, April 28). Stem Cell Basics: Introduction. Retrieved February 24, 2014, from Stem Cell Information: http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/pages/basics1.aspx
n/a. (2014). The Stem Cell Debate: Is It Over? Retrieved February 24, 2014, from University of Utah: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/stemcells/scissues/
Pool, J. (2014, February). Stem Cell Research Notes. Pre-AP Biology. Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America.


M. Cypress Oury
February 26th, 2014
3rd Period


PRE-AP BIOLOGY RAMAY JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL MRS POOL'S CLASS