Stem cells are specialized cells, which have the potential to divide into many different cell types during early life and growth. Subsequently, they can serve as an internal repair system and can divide without limit to replenish other damaged cells as long as the host is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become a different cell with a specialized function; i.e; muscle cells, red blood cells, or brain cells. Stems cells are differentiable from other cells because they exhibit two distinct characteristics. First, they begin as unspecialized cells capable of renewing themselves via cell division and second, they are inducible to become tissue or organ specific cells with special functions under certain physiologic conditions. Since stem cells can differentiate into specific cell types, they offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues, which prove promising in many human diseases. These include (but are not limited to) neurodegenerative diseases, macular degeneration, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, …show more content…
To conduct researc7ik8rovide answers in the field of medicine, especially in neurodegenerative disease like Parkinson’s disease; however, the actual cure is not yet defined. Although Stem Cell therapy may show initial effectiveness, long-term efficacy and safety studies must be performed to determine how effective these therapies are. Since this is a relatively new therapy, we do not know what the potential adverse effects may be. If patients are to receive trials of stems cells who is to say that the user may suffer some serious negative side effect or even death. Can these chances really be taken, to sacrifice one life for the greater good of everyone. Even if someone volunteers for trial treatments who’s to say that this is