Ethical Issue of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

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Embryonic stem cells can be defined as stem cells that are derived from the undifferentiated inner mass cells of a human embryo. In other words, the cells are derived from the inner mass of the blastocyst. Blastocyst can be referred as an early stage embryo. This means that the embryonic stem cell is grown from cells that are found in the embryo and are a few days old. Typically, the embryo that provides the embryonic stem cells is four or five days old. In addition, most of the embryonic stem cells are obtained from embryos that develop from eggs that have been fertilized by in-vitro for infertile couples. These excess fertilized eggs are donated for research with the permission of the donors. Normally the embryos are not eggs that have been fertilized within a woman’s body. Embryonic stem cells have the capacity to divide for long periods and sustain their ability to make all cell types with a certain organism (Sidhu 7). Embryonic stem cells are distinguished by two unique properties. These are their pluripotency and their capacity to replicate indefinitely (Wai Feng Lim). Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent. This entails that they [cells] are able to differentiate themselves into all derivatives of the three germ layers (Wai Feng Lim). These include ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm. Meaning, the cells can be in a position to develop into more than 200 cell types of the adult body, as long as the cells are denoted to do so. Furthermore, pluripotency helps to distinguish embryonic stem cells from adult stem cells. On the other hand, the cells can generate all cell types in the body while adult stem cells are multipotent. This means that they [cells] can produce only a limited number of cell types. Additionally, due to embryon... ... middle of paper ... ...c Stem Cell Research?" Annenberg Classroom. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2013. . Sidhu, Kuldip S. Frontiers in Pluripotent Stem Cells Research and Therapeutic Potentials: Bench-to-bedside. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Bentham Science, 2012. Internet resource. Steinhoff, Gustav. Regenerative Medicine: From Protocol to Patient. Dordrecht: Springer, 2011. Print. Turksen, Kursad. Embryonic Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols. Totowa, N.J: Humana Press, 2002. Internet resource. Wai Feng Lim. "Hematopoietic Cell Differentiation from Embryonic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells." Stem Cell Research & Therapy 4.3 (2013): 71. Academic Search Complete. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. .

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