Stem Cells:Uncovered

             What are stem cells? Stem cells are cells that have the unique and fascinating ability to develop into any cell type. They can multiply endlessly and help to stabilize any organ residing in the body.

There are two divisions of stem cells:

Embryonic: Cells taken from the developing embryo at the blastocyst stage (A hollow ball of cells that the fetus is made up of), destroying the embryo, a future human life. These cells are pluripotent which means they are capable of developing into any cell type.

Adult: Are found in all tissues including the skin, liver, bone marrow and muscle. These stem cells are more difficult to work with than embryonic because they have already been classified as certain cells.

Scientists strive to replace defective cells and replace them with stem cells in order to cure diseases and/or genetic disorders. The research has proved to be immensely controversial and both sides of the argument have strong opinions.

 

 

Introduction