Embryonic stem cells

Definition

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, an early-stage embryo. They have the unique ability to differentiate into nearly any cell type in the body, which makes them a valuable resource for regenerative medicine and research. However, their use raises ethical concerns regarding the sourcing of these cells, particularly concerning the destruction of embryos, which creates a complex debate in the fields of genetic engineering and stem cell research.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Embryonic stem cells are unique because they can self-renew indefinitely and differentiate into various specialized cells, making them essential for studying developmental processes and potential therapies.
2. The extraction of embryonic stem cells typically involves the destruction of the embryo, which is the primary source of ethical controversy surrounding their use.
3. Research involving embryonic stem cells has led to breakthroughs in understanding diseases and developing potential treatments for conditions such as Parkinson's disease and diabetes.
4. Several countries have established regulations or bans on embryonic stem cell research due to ethical concerns, leading to a patchwork of legal frameworks worldwide.
5. Advancements in alternative methods, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), aim to provide similar benefits without ethical concerns tied to embryo destruction.

Review Questions

• What are the unique properties of embryonic stem cells that differentiate them from other types of stem cells?
  • Embryonic stem cells are distinguished by their pluripotency, meaning they can differentiate into virtually any cell type in the body. This capacity allows them to be used in a wide range of regenerative medicine applications and disease modeling. In contrast, adult stem cells are typically multipotent and more limited in their differentiation potential, which restricts their use in certain therapeutic contexts.
• Discuss the ethical implications associated with the use of embryonic stem cells in research and therapy.
  • The primary ethical implication surrounding embryonic stem cells is that their extraction involves the destruction of human embryos. This raises significant moral questions about the status of embryos and when life begins. Advocates argue that the potential benefits for regenerative medicine and curing diseases justify their use, while opponents believe it is unethical to create or destroy embryos for research purposes. This debate has led to varied regulations across different regions regarding the legality and funding of such research.
• Evaluate how advancements in technologies like induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) could change the landscape of stem cell research and address ethical concerns.
  • Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are generated by reprogramming adult somatic cells back into a pluripotent state, allowing them to behave similarly to embryonic stem cells without the need for embryo destruction. This advancement addresses many ethical concerns associated with embryonic stem cell use by providing an alternative source for pluripotent cells. As iPSCs continue to be developed for clinical applications, they may reduce dependence on embryonic sources, potentially reshaping regulatory discussions and public acceptance of stem cell research.

Related terms

Pluripotency: The ability of a stem cell to develop into almost any type of cell in the body, allowing for extensive potential in medical applications.

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT): A technique used in cloning that involves transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell into an enucleated egg cell, often used to create embryonic stem cells.

Ethical Dilemma: A complex situation involving conflicting moral principles, often arising from the implications of using embryonic stem cells for research and therapy.