Stem Cells

What are Stem Cells? Stem Cells are cells that possess the ability to grow into almost any cell, granting much hope to medical advancement. An example of a situation where Stem Cells can be used is if neural cells in the brain or spinal cord become destroyed or damages, they can be replaced by stem cells. Thanks to Stem Cells, almost any dead cell can be replaced with new cells, this has resulted in mass funding of this field. Where do Stem Cells come from? The sources of Stem Cells can be very controversial. The three main sources of Stem Cells are from adult cells, umbilical cord cells, and embryonic cells. Adult cells may be obtained from either bone marrow or from the peripheral system. Since Stem Cells of adult cells are extracted directly from a patients body there is always a DNA match so the immune system of the patient never rejects them. Plus they are very abundant.

Umbilical cord cells are extracted during pregnancy and stored for future use on behalf of a new born. Beside usage on the infant, cord cells may be used on the biological parents of the infant. Cord cells may be used on others, but the more distant the relationship is, the more likely it is to be rejected by the patients antibodies. Just as there are common blood types, there are many cell types adding to the flexibility of Stem Cells, making it possible for cell donation. This source of Stem Cells is the richest, and most flexible considering that they can that they can be stored in advance for future use. In the case of non matching DNA between donor and recipient, scientists have come up with methods to increase transferability and reduce risks.

Embryonic Cells are extracted directly from the embryo. This is where the controversial aspect of Stem Cell research comes in. Embryonic cells are extracted from the embryo right before its cells begin to differentiate , at this stage it is A “blastocyst”. In a blastocyst there are about 100 cells, a very large percentage of these cells are Stem Cells. These cells can be kept alive indefinitely, where they can continue to double in numbers every 2-3 days. When a full replication of blastocyst cells occurs, you get what is called a “stem cell line” because all genetic material comes from the exact fertilized egg that started it. The controversy comes in with the embryo because it would require the destruction of it. Through the public eye, this can be seen as murder because it practices the destruction of human life. Science has come to defense with arguments explaining that a blastocyst -at this point- has no human features. With two other sources of Stem Cells that are less controversial and promising, why continue destroying life? I think it’s wrong. Of course it would be more of an exception if this was the only way to extract Stem Cells, but there clearly are more effictient ways. I strongly disagree with the embryonic side of the game, but I totally support the other two aspects.

source 1:http://www.herdaily.com/blogimg/health/Adult%20Stem%20Cells.jpg source 2:http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.htm source 3:http://www.eurostemcell.org/files/images/Human-blastocyst.preview.gif