Stem cells have the potential to treat many diseases such asdiabetes and Parkinson’s. These diseases are caused by the death ormalfunction of particular cells.
a. What is meant by a stem cell?
For many conditions, adult stem cells are not suitable andresearchers are hoping to use embryonic stem cells from a 6 day-olddeveloping embryo after culturing them in the laboratory.
b. What is the difference between an embryonic stem cell and anadult stem cell?
c. What is the main source of embryos to provide stem cells forthis research?
d. Why do the researchers choose to harvest the cells for culturingat six days and not a week later when there would be far morecells?
e. Many people are opposed to the use of embryonic stem cells onethical grounds. Others feel there are good ethical reasons fordoing this research. Outline the main arguments used on both sides(one main argument per side) and explain your own position.