A Complete Guide to Stem Cells

Introduction

Stem cells are cells inside of every living being. They are, basically, the cells where things begin. Stem cells assist with growth and healing. They can divide into multiple cells that become specialized cells inside the body. Stem cells have the potential to cure diseases and injuries.

What are the unique properties of stem cell?

Stem cells have unique properties that make them different from any other cell. Stem cells are non-specific cells. This means that they do not have a specific job but rather are the cells that specialized cells originate from. The term stem cell means that all cells in an organism come from or “stem” from this type of cell. While waiting for the body to tell them the type of cell that they are going to become, a stem cell divides. They will continue this division until the time they become differentiated cells. At this time they will be a cell with a specific purpose. Only stem cells are capable of this process of renewal and division and finally differentiation.

What are embryonic stem cells?

One type of stem cell is called an embryonic stem cell. Very early in the reproductive cycle, when the fertilized egg begins to divide, a small group of stem cells is formed. We refer to this group of cells as an embryo. The stem cells found in the embryo are responsible for the formation of all types of cells in the body. When a child is born and the umbilical cord is cut, the blood found in the cord contains stem cells that are a perfect genetic match for the child. The stem cells found in the cord are called multipotent. This means that they are no longer able to become all types of cells. Instead they are limited in the type of cells they will become.

What are adult stem cells?

Adult stem cells are also multipotent cells. They are found in infants, children and adults and reside inside of tissue that has already developed. There job is to help maintain the health of the organism in which they reside. In the event of injury, adult stem cells have the added responsibility of helping to repair the damage.

What are the potential uses of stem cells?

Stem cells are being used in research to assist scientists in understanding how cells divide. Many diseases, including cancer and some birth defects, are caused by cells that divide improperly. This research may lead to increased knowledge of the diseases and insight in how to cure the them. Stem cells can also be used as a method of testing drug therapies. There is another potential use for stem cells and that is called cell based therapies. There is the possibility that stem cells might someday be used as a renewable source of cell and tissue that can be used to replace diseased cell and tissue in the human body. If this can be achieved it could prove useful in the treatment of illnesses that require transplanted tissues and cells.

What are the obstacles/controversy that stand in the way?

There is considerable controversy in the use of stem cells in research. Some objections have been raised because embryonic stem cells are retrieved from embryos that would otherwise be destroyed. Because of the age old argument about when life begins there is significant opposition to this method of studying stem cells. This controversy raises another issue as to whether or not the government should fund research that results in the loss of human life even if it may save lives in the long run. The obstacles that get in the way of embryonic stem cell research are not as apparent when we are discussing adult stem cell research. Adult cell research does not cause the destruction of human life and is therefore less controversial. Stem cell research is a subject that can cause very strong reactions amongst different groups of people. Science pushes through the issues in an attempt to aid those afflicted with diseases and allow them the chance to live a longer and healthier life.

For more information on stem cells, check out the following links:

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/scin

http://www.biotech.ucdavis.edu/TBCWebsites/TBC07/StemCells&TissueEngineering/Li-MiraLoma/Biotech Website Design/impacts.htm

http://stemcells.wisc.edu/

http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/

http://www.isscr.org/science/faq.htm

http://www.bioethics.gov/background/prentice_paper.html

http://dels.nas.edu/bls/stemcells/

http://www.genome.gov/10004765

http://www.biology-online.org/articles/embryonic_stem_cells_prospects/properties_undifferentiated_embryonic_stem.html

http://www.utexas.edu/law/academics/centers/fleming/law-and-innovation/

http://www.umich.edu/stemcell/