...BIO 1 Paper Stem Cells Research WHAT ARE STEM CELLS? * Stem cells are biological cells found in all multicellular organisms, that can divide through mitosis and differentiate into diverse specialized cell types or can self renew to produce more stem cells. * In mammals, there are two broad types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells that are isolated from the inner cell mass of blastocysts, and adult stem cells that are found in various tissues. * In adult organisms, stem cells and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenished in adult tissues. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all the specialized cells, but also maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin, or intestinal tissues. Properties The classical definition of a stem cell requires the following properties: * Self-renewal - the ability to go through numerous cycles of cell division while maintaining the undifferentiated state. * Potency - the capacity to differentiate into specialized cell types. In the strictest sense, this requires stem cells to be either totipotent or pluripotent - to be able to give rise to any mature cell type, although multipotent or unipotent progenitor cells are sometimes referred to as stem cells. In Self-Renewal.. Two mechanisms exist to ensure that the stem cell population is maintained: * Obligatory asymmetric replication - a stem cell divides into one father cell that is identical...
Words: 2510 - Pages: 11
...Stem Cell Funding Stem cell research has been a controversial hot topic in court and in the lab. The controversy involved with stem cell research starts with the means of obtaining the cells to perform the research. These stem cells are often obtained from deceased embryos of human beings. Ethics and moral issues arise because of the abortions occurring solely to acquire the coveted stem cells. Stem cells are basically cells that are capable of dividing and producing cells that differentiate further into one or more specialized types of cells. Stem cells hold a great deal of potential for curing previously incurable diseases and their full potential may be yet to be realized. The government should fund the collection and storage of stem cells of normal births because the public needs to be educated about its advantages by making the benefits of stem cell research known, showing that new and alternate sources for stem cells are available and present the harmful effects of methods currently used to obtain stem cells. Stem cells have enormous potential and therefore its research should not be hindered in any way. The distinct characteristic of stem cells that make them so valuable is that, “Stem cells can differentiate into more than one kind of cell, a characteristic referred to as plasticity. But the plasticity of a stem cell varies depending on whether it originates from an embryo or from an adult organism” (Panno 1). Stem cells have great potential because of their plasticity...
Words: 933 - Pages: 4
...Stem cells are cells with the potential to develop into many different types of cells in the body. They serve as a repair system for the body. Stem cells are cells found in all multi cellular organisms. Stem Cells have the potential to make a large positive impact in the medical field. It is important to know the basics of Stem Cells, the difference between the types of Stem Cells, and the possible uses of Stem Cells. Knowing the basics of stem cells is a necessity to understanding how they might positively impact those with a medical condition. Stem cells are master or parent cells of the body. Stem cells are unspecialized cells. They have special properties: unspecialized cell and the ability to self-renew as a stem cell or transform into another type of cell with a specialized function. The human body has over two hundreds different types of cells. The stem cell has the potential to replace about all of them. Stem cells are considered unique compared to mature cells which are lack of their capabilities. Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different types of cell in the human body. Spinal cord injury results in neuronal degeneration and demyelination due to oligodendrocyte apoptosis at the region of trauma and causes severe functional impairment of motor and sensory pathways (All, 2012). With the right conditions in the human body or a laboratory, the stem cells divide to form more cells, or daughter cells. These daughter cells either become new...
Words: 620 - Pages: 3
...Ethical Conflicts in Stem Cell Research Stem Cells research presents social and ethical concerns when it uses human embryos. In embryonic stem cell research, the early embryo has to be destroyed in order to obtain embryonic stem cell. And for some people, it means destroying a potential human life. From the utilitarian viewpoint, the benefits of stem cell research are greater than the ethical issues of destroying embryonic life, the end justifies the means. However, President Bush said, “While we must devote enormous energy to conquering disease, it is equally important that we pay attention to the moral concerns raised by the new frontier of human embryo stem cell research. Even the most noble ends do not justify any means,” and he vetoed embryonic stem-cell bill in 2006. A possible solution to the dilemma is in the latest research of adult stem cells that can be isolated and developed. With more successful research on the adult stem cells, “there may be no reason whatsoever to use embryonic stem cells. (1).” And also, researchers have discovered a novel reprogramming method of adult cells to create embryonic stem cells without embryo in 2014 (2). Embryonic stem cell research is unethical that destroying an embryo is like killing a child. Many believe that embryonic stem cells are living cells with a potential for life. But supporters argue that embryonic stem cell research can be used to find the cure for diabetes, heart disease, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson’s disease...
Words: 1220 - Pages: 5
...Stem Cell Research Stem cells have the extraordinary potential to reproduce into many different types of cells throughout the body. There are two types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells, which are derived from the early stage of embryos and adult stem cells that are found in various types of tissues. Someday, these stem cells may serve as a repair system for the human body. They could reconstruct cells and tissues as a means of therapy of a variety of diseases, including spinal cord injury, arthritis, diabetes Alzheimer’s disease, and so on. Stem cells have the power to become any type of cell in which they help aid in the replacement of numerous types of diseases in the human body. Stem cells have the extraordinary potential to reproduce into many different types of cells throughout the body. There are two types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells, which are derived from the early stage of embryos and adult stem cells that are found in various types of tissues. Someday, these stem cells may serve as a repair system for the human body. They could reconstruct cells and tissues as a means of therapy of a variety of diseases, including spinal cord injury, arthritis, diabetes Alzheimer’s disease, and so on. Stem cells have the power to become any type of cell in which they help aid in the replacement of numerous types of diseases in the human body. Some people may not have any idea of what stem cells are, have any background knowledge on stem cells, or perhaps they have...
Words: 1753 - Pages: 8
...An understanding of the types, characteristics, and important benefits of stem cells Aids in understanding the ethical and social considerations of this controversy. There are Two main types of stem cells. One type, embryonic, uses the undifferentiated cells of an Early human embryo to create any new, specialized type of cell (Brignier and Gewirtz S337). Embryonic stem cells are very useful for cell based therapies because they can Develop into more than 220 cell types that are found in an adult, and they have the ability To reproduce in large numbers. They are capable of almost unlimited cell divisions when Placed in culture. This makes embryonic stem cells very flexible and versatile. Using Stem cells to learn about the ways that these cells differentiate, grow, and renew will also Have profound results in the study and cure of cancers, birth defects, diabetes, and spinal cord Injuries, and other diseases caused by dysfunctional cell replication. Research on 3 Embryonic stem cells can also improve drug safety, as a drug can be tested on a stem cell Line before use in a patient (Louis 2009). The embryonic stem cells are extracted from The inner cell mass during the early blastocyst phase of embryonic development. After an Egg is fertilized, generally during in vitro in the laboratory, it begins dividing. The Blastocyst is a hollow ball of about 150 cells. The inner cell mass are the cells located in The inner part of the ball, and once extracted, the embryo is no longer viable...
Words: 3236 - Pages: 13
...Real Promise of Stem Cell Research Dr. David Prentice, HealthNewsDigest.com 2 Derivation of Human Stem-Cell Lines from Human Blastocysts, C. A. Cowan and others. March 25, 2004, New England Journal of Medicine, p.1355 with secondary reference to footnotes 13-17 p.1356. Stem Cell Research Pros The following article is a take on the ongoing debate related to stem cell research pros and cons. The stem cell research information covered in the article below will help you understand the potential of this new research for the benefit of humanity. [pic] Stem cell research, sounds like a plot from a best-selling novel by Robin Cook. However, it's not just a fictional thought, but a reality making waves in genetic research. There is a lot of controversy surrounding stem cell research. There are two groups formed, one supporting and the other against embryonic stem cell research. Both groups use the advantages and disadvantages of stem cell as the basis of arguments. We too shall discuss some of the stem cell research pros in the following paragraphs. This research is a major breakthrough in the scientific world. It is important to understand the positive points of this discovery before we push it over to the recycle bin. Let us have a look at the advantages stem cell research to shed some positive light on this debatable topic. What are Stem Cells? Let's first brush up on our basic, by beginning with some information related to what are stem cells. Stem cells are basically...
Words: 1377 - Pages: 6
...Persuasive Speech Assignment - Stem Cells Communications 102 Emre Keskintepe Stems Cells - The Miracle Cure Specific Purpose - I. To achieve passive agreement on stem cells as a scientific advancement that needs implementation into current medicine. Stem cells could benefit millions of people, cure countless diseases and possible save the life of your loved ones and you. Central Idea - I. Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into different cell types in the body and therefore can be used as a internal repair system for the body. Introduction - I. Attention Getter - A. A broken heart is known as a metaphor for the intense emotional pain or suffering we feel after losing a loved one. We all know the damage that a broken heart can cause because we have experienced it ourselves or have seen the reproductions on our loved ones. But a broken heart in medical terms is known as Cardiovascular disease. * The National Institutes of Health states " that Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, and congestive heart failure, is ranked the number one cause of death in the United States" * It has been the leading cause of death every year since 1900 except 1918, when the nation struggled with an influenza epidemic. * Nearly 2600 Americans die of CVD each day, roughly one person every 34 seconds. B. A broken heart is a huge epidemic in America and we need a solution to solve this ever...
Words: 1407 - Pages: 6
...Stem Cell Basics 1. Introduction: What are stem cells, and why are they important? 2. What are the unique properties of all stem cells? 3. What are embryonic stem cells? 4. What are adult stem cells? 5. What are the similarities and differences between embryonic and adult stem cells? 6. What are induced pluripotent stem cells? 7. What are the potential uses of human stem cells and the obstacles that must be overcome before these potential uses will be realized? 8. Where can I get more information? I. Introduction: What are stem cells, and why are they important? Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. In addition, in many tissues they serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell. Stem cells are distinguished from other cell types by two important characteristics. First, they are unspecialized cells capable of renewing themselves through cell division, sometimes after long periods of inactivity. Second, under certain physiologic or experimental conditions, they can be induced to become tissue- or organ-specific cells with special functions. In some organs, such as...
Words: 391 - Pages: 2
...Topic: Stem Cell Treatment in Cancer Introduction: (ends with the thesis) A brief description of the technology and an explanation of the associated science - Cornelious What are stem cells? Stem cells are immature cells that have the potential to become any type of cell in the body. These cells can act as a repair system, by having the ability to divide and multiply to replenish other body cells that have been damaged or loss. Stem cell research has been hailed for the potential to revolutionize the future of medicine with the ability to regenerate damaged and diseased organs. On the other hand, stem cell research has been highly controversial due to the ethical issues concerned with the culture and use of stem cells derived from human embryos. However, with more emphasis on the potential of stem cells, hospitals are currently utilizing stem cells in some of their most advanced and innovative cancer treatment techniques. I. First Main Point: Cornelious The historical development and context of the technology A. The History of Stem Cell Research 1. The Discovery of Stem Cells 2. Utilization of Stem Cells B. Stem Cells and Cancer 1. Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation 2. Autologous Stem Cell Rescue II. Second Main Point: Capriana Political and Legal influences A. Treatment of cancer using stem cells 1. Chemotherapy 2. Stem cell based therapies B. Embryonic stem cells 1...
Words: 726 - Pages: 3
...may have heard of stem cell research. Embryonic stem cells have the amazing ability to theoretically grow back any body part. They have the potential to morph into any of the 220 cell types found in the body (Robinson 1). It has the restoration power capable of reestablishing functions of the body as well, such as eyesight. The drawback to stem cell research is that it requires baby fetuses to acquire the material. Stem cells differ from other cells in the body, as they are capable of dividing and rebuilding themselves for long durations of time. This is unlike muscle cells, blood cells, or nerve cells. They are not able to replicate themselves, while stem cells can do it many times. This means that if stem cells are kept in a laboratory over a long period of time, they can yield many other stem cells. Another property of stem cells is that they are unspecialized, meaning that they do not help with anything in the body. For example, they are not able to help the heart pump blood in the body. However, stem cells can become heart muscle cells and blood cells, which could do that function. A third property of stem cells is that they become specialized cells. This is called differentiation, when the stem cell morphs into a cell that will have a specific function in the body (Robinson 1). In the last five years, China has increased its research funding greatly in the field of stem cell research. They have been focusing mainly on bone marrow and embryonic stem cells. China has already...
Words: 2131 - Pages: 9
... Embryonic stem cells; are they the solution to many diseases plaguing the human race, or are they a vehicle for more pain and suffering? Embryonic stem cells are unspecialized cells derived from the inner cell mass of human embryos that are able to self-renew without differentiating for extended periods of time. This means that they do not become a certain type of cell, that they are totipotent, or capable of giving rise to any of the cell types of the human body. Embryonic stem cells hold the potential to cure diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, cancer, and even spinal cord injuries, along with hundreds of other rare immune system and genetic disorders. There are many moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the research and utilization of embryonic stem cells and stem cell therapy, which has made it a difficult decision on whether or not to sign an executive order to lift the ban of federal funding for additional stem cell research, put in place by former president George W. Bush in 2001. With the signing of this order, it will bring the much needed change that scientists and researchers, doctors and innovators, patients and loved ones alike have been waiting for. We should zealously support any scientist who pursues this type of research, as there are many promising results in this field. “At this moment, the full promise of stem cell research remains unknown, and it should not be overstated, but scientists believe these tiny cells may have the...
Words: 1021 - Pages: 5
... Stem cell therapy Irfan manzoor. Roll no: RP7002B22. Reg. no: 11000225. Course: Bsc. Biotech 1. Lovely professional university Contents 1. Stem cells and properties. 2-3 2. Stem cell therapy. 5-12 3. Stem cell use in animals 13-15 4. Recent researches in stem cell therapy 16-19 5. Conclusion 21 6. Bibliography 22 Stem cells Stem cells are cells found in all multi cellular organisms. They are characterized by the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and differentiate into a diverse range of specialized cell types. Research in the stem cell field grew out of findings by Ernest A. McCulloch and James E. Till at the University of Toronto in the 1960s. The two broad types of mammalian stem cells are: embryonic stem cells that are isolated from the inner cell mass of blastocysts, and adult stem cells that are found in adult tissues. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate...
Words: 5761 - Pages: 24
...Can We Afford to Not Explore Stem Cell Research? An Argument in Support Stem Cell Research John P. Bailey English Composition, ENG101V2A Professor Rosenberg August 8, 2011 Abstract In recent years, a battle has resurrected between fundamentalist conservatives and science and medicine. Fundamentalist-minded religious factions have made a hard line stance that embryonic stem cell research is destructive towards life. Stem cells can be derived from the destruction of human embryos. Fertility clinics, the largest provider of stem cells, supply for research embryonic cells and in-vitro-fertilized embryos. The scientific world has asserted that embryonic stem cells have a regenerative nature and possess the potential to repair almost every type of damaged tissue. In terms of medical advancement, the future benefits of stem cells are tremendous. While examining the sources of these embryonic stem cells and their alternative disposal, I will assert that ignoring embryonic stem cell research is tantamount to neglectful suffering and death. The possibilities of the associated medical advancements are enormous. Can We Afford to Not Explore Stem Cell Research? An Argument in Support Embryonic Stem Cell Research Embryonic stem cells are in the vanguard of research with the greatest potential in the biomedical world of today. Stem cells have unheard of qualities that strike the medical field as...
Words: 825 - Pages: 4
...Stem Cell Research Paper Stem Cell Research Paper Human Biology The human body is capable of many miraculous feats. Every hour, every minute, every second, millions of cells are working to maintain homeostasis within the body. This paper is going to focus on one type of cell in particular, the stem cell. The properties of this little cell are amazing. These unique cells self-regenerate through cell division, and in addition to being unspecialized, have the ability to develop into many different specialized cells of the body. Numerous studies have shown the potential of stem cells to cure cancers, as well as slow or reverse the damages of some neurological disorders, yet stem cell researchers have met with both public and legal resistance during their attempts to show the incredible usefulness of these cells. Therefore, the question is, with stem cell research showing the potential to reverse the damage from or slow the progression of neurological disorders, and possible cures for cancer and other diseases and disorders are the possible benefits too much to ignore? The ability to self-regenerate is one the things that makes the stem cell such an appealing area to study. Most cells and organs in the body do not have the ability to self-regenerate, nor self-repair but stem cells can do both. Stem cells themselves are unspecialized, in that they have so special function (Stem Cell Basics, 2009). Part of the beauty of the stem cell is that through cellular...
Words: 3681 - Pages: 15