LIFE SCIENCE
Stem cells
DONE BY: BYRON BENNETT
CONTENT PAGE
General introduction Pg1
What are stem cells Pg1
Where are they found and how are they harvested and cultivated Pg1
How do they work Pg2
Advantages of embryonic and adult stem cells Pg2
How are they used presently used and how can they be used in the future Pg2
Ethical Issues surrounding stem cells and their use Pg3
My personal view on the topic Pg3
Factors influencing my opinion on stem cells Pg3
Conclusion Pg3
References Pg3+4
General Introduction
With all of the technological successes taking place in today’s day-to-day life, scientists have established a way of taking undeveloped cells from humans and their embryos and using them to treat and/or cure diseases. …show more content…
This is because stem cells can be specialised into any kind of differentiated cell from an undifferentiated cell. This is often to combat and treat incurable diseases, such as leukaemia.
An example of a situation in which stem cells would be utilised would be a person with diabetes: the stem cells would be injected into the pancreas where the cells would produce more insulin.
3.2.1. Advantages and Disadvantages of embryonic stem cells
Advantages Disadvantages
Numerous medical possibilities (potential to cure hundreds of diseases) Ethical issues relating to the obtaining of these cells (embryo dies)
Progress in cancer research We do not understand them and their risks completely yet
3.2.1 Advantages and Disadvantages of adult stem cells
Advantages Disadvantages
No immune rejection Don’t replace, only complement
The person does not die when the cells are harvested Culturing them in-vitro is difficult
4+5. How they are used at present and how can they be used in the future?
Stem cells are presently used to treat blood/bone marrow diseases, leukaemia and immune disorders. Some stem cells taken from the peripheral blood stream are also being used to treat blood-based …show more content…
6. Ethical Issues surrounding stem cells and their use
There are many ethical issues revolving around stem cells, their harvesting and their uses. The most common argument is that scientists are ‘playing God’. This is the viewpoint of many religious people, and also happens to be the opinions of people who haven’t experienced a loved one undergo the pain of diseases that stem cells could cure.
Some people are also against the idea of embryonic stem cell harvesting because it kills an embryo, which is seen as murder. This opinion is held by most women as they see the embryo as a baby; a living organism which is technically being killed.
In my opinion, though, that embryo is giving life to someone else, and it is a sacrifice that we will have to make in order for the human race to progress to where we should – and can one day – be. Thanks to stem cells, many people will live longer lives, which will essentially impact the economy positively as there will be more healthy workers and a better quality of life.
7. My personal view on the topic
8. Factors influencing my opinion on stem
Stem cells
DONE BY: BYRON BENNETT
CONTENT PAGE
General introduction Pg1
What are stem cells Pg1
Where are they found and how are they harvested and cultivated Pg1
How do they work Pg2
Advantages of embryonic and adult stem cells Pg2
How are they used presently used and how can they be used in the future Pg2
Ethical Issues surrounding stem cells and their use Pg3
My personal view on the topic Pg3
Factors influencing my opinion on stem cells Pg3
Conclusion Pg3
References Pg3+4
General Introduction
With all of the technological successes taking place in today’s day-to-day life, scientists have established a way of taking undeveloped cells from humans and their embryos and using them to treat and/or cure diseases. …show more content…
This is because stem cells can be specialised into any kind of differentiated cell from an undifferentiated cell. This is often to combat and treat incurable diseases, such as leukaemia.
An example of a situation in which stem cells would be utilised would be a person with diabetes: the stem cells would be injected into the pancreas where the cells would produce more insulin.
3.2.1. Advantages and Disadvantages of embryonic stem cells
Advantages Disadvantages
Numerous medical possibilities (potential to cure hundreds of diseases) Ethical issues relating to the obtaining of these cells (embryo dies)
Progress in cancer research We do not understand them and their risks completely yet
3.2.1 Advantages and Disadvantages of adult stem cells
Advantages Disadvantages
No immune rejection Don’t replace, only complement
The person does not die when the cells are harvested Culturing them in-vitro is difficult
4+5. How they are used at present and how can they be used in the future?
Stem cells are presently used to treat blood/bone marrow diseases, leukaemia and immune disorders. Some stem cells taken from the peripheral blood stream are also being used to treat blood-based …show more content…
6. Ethical Issues surrounding stem cells and their use
There are many ethical issues revolving around stem cells, their harvesting and their uses. The most common argument is that scientists are ‘playing God’. This is the viewpoint of many religious people, and also happens to be the opinions of people who haven’t experienced a loved one undergo the pain of diseases that stem cells could cure.
Some people are also against the idea of embryonic stem cell harvesting because it kills an embryo, which is seen as murder. This opinion is held by most women as they see the embryo as a baby; a living organism which is technically being killed.
In my opinion, though, that embryo is giving life to someone else, and it is a sacrifice that we will have to make in order for the human race to progress to where we should – and can one day – be. Thanks to stem cells, many people will live longer lives, which will essentially impact the economy positively as there will be more healthy workers and a better quality of life.
7. My personal view on the topic
8. Factors influencing my opinion on stem