Stem Cells And Its Effects On Human Cells - 2106 Words

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells within the body that are defined by their ability to self renew and differentiate into specialized cells (1). Stem cells function in body tissues as a repair mechanism, with an unlimited ability to divide and restock cells as needed by the body. Each time a stem cell divides, the new cell formed can either remain a stem cell or differentiate into a specialized cell, such as a brain cell. Traditionally, there are two main types of stem cells: human embryonic stem cells [HESCs] and adult somatic stem cells. In 1981,embryonic stem cells were the first type of stem cell to be discovered (2). Embryonic stem cells originate from four-to-five day old embryos formed during the blastocyst phase of embryological development. The embryos used to derive stem cells are usually extras that were created using in vitro fertilization and not implanted (2). Induced pluripotent stem cells [iPS cells] are specialized adult somatic cells that have been genetically modified to function similarly to embryonic stem cells; that is, iPS cells have the ability to differentiate into all adult cell types (2). The discovery of iPS cells in 2006 was very exciting for the medical community as researchers hoped to use iPS cells in many ways, including: to gain an increased understanding of disease pathology, as aids in transplant medicine, and in pharmaceutical and cytotoxicity studies. Subsequent research on iPS cells has revealed some areas of concern including:Show MoreRelatedStem Cells And Its Effect On Human Cells1369 Words   |  6 PagesStem cells are cells that have the ability to generate other cells. If research continues going the way it is now stem cells could potentially reduce the need for insulin in diabetics and treat various conditions and diseases. The discovery of stem cells, how they differentiate and their potential use in medic ine are very important stories. Stem Cells can be obtained two different ways, one from embryos, which are called embryonic stem cells, and one from adults, called adult stem cells. Stem cellRead MoreStem Cells And Its Effect On The Human Body1407 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Stem cells are unspecialized cells of a multicellular organism and it has capability changing into any type cell. When stem cells divides, the new cell has the potential of choosing whether to stay a stem cell or turn into any type of specialized such as: skin cells, neurons, muscle cells and many more. Stem cells have no specific function but are special in their own way. In the early stage of the development, stem cells have the extraordinary potential to develop into any type of cell in theRead MoreStem Cells And Its Effects On Human Life2914 Words   |  12 Pagesyears, stem cell research has become more of the primary focus in the world of medicine. Scientists see the next ten years as being monumental in the growth of biology, as stem cells continue to amaze them with their potential to save and improve the quality of human life. These cells have the possibility to save millions of people with diseases thought to be incurable. However, there is controversy about the use of cer tain types of stem cells. Some stem cells are obtained from the cells of an earlyRead MoreThe Effects Of Stem Cell On The Human Body2802 Words   |  12 Pagesas incurable but embryotic stem cells may hold the cure. With that said, many researchers in the medical field have become quite involved in the study of stem cells. A stem cell is an immature cell that has the potential to become specialized into different types of cells throughout the body. There are two different types of stem cells: adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells. These cells are important because they have the ability to repair damaged tissue in the human body. Although they are bothRead MoreStem Cells And Its Effects On The Human Body998 Words   |  4 PagesStem cells are undifferentiated cells that have potential to be developed into many different specialized cell types, such as skin cells, bone cells, muscle cells, and many more. Stem cells used in research today derive from mainly two sources, embryos f rom the blastocyst phase of embryological development, known as embryonic stem cells, and adult tissue, known as adult stem cells (â€Å"Stem Cell Basics†). Embryonic stem cells come from human embryos that are roughly five-days-old, when it is in theRead MoreEmbryonic Stem Cells Or No?1006 Words   |  5 PagesEmbryonic Stem Cells or No? Did you know that since 1981, researchers have been removing embryonic stem cells from thousands of embryos to create cells that could potentially save people from diseases? How many patients do you think this has helped since then? Hundreds? Thousands? Wrong. In fact, not one â€Å"cure† has been found to help people with Parkinson’s, cancer, heart disease and so many more rare diseases that it is said to be able to help. Embryonic stem cell research has been an issue inRead MoreThe Controversial Topic Of Stem Cell Research Essay1414 Words   |  6 PagesStem Cell Research is still the most controversial topic in science today. The idea behind the experiment involves the development, use, and destruction of human embryos. The research method mainly focuses on embryonic stem cells, which involves taking tissue from an aborted embryo to get a better look at the cell and obtain information for the fundamental properties of the cells. Embryonic stem cells play a major role in the research because the cell provides information for cell development toRead MoreThe Medical Promise Of Embryonic Stem Cells1626 Words   |  7 PagesEmbryonic Stem Cells Why should people suffer from diabetes, Alzheimer’s, sickle cell anemia, leukemia, and plenty of other degenerative diseases while the cure lies in our hands? After James Thompson, a developmental biologist, reported that he had derived the first human embryonic stem cell line (Thomson), the potential of curing degenerative diseases was revealed. Ph.D. holder and deputy director of FDA’s office of Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies, Stephanie Simek, explains that stem cells are unspecializedRead MoreA Research Study On Stem Cell1680 Words   |  7 Pageslife, cells make up every organ and body part of a living organism. Among various types of cells of human bodies, a stem cell can turn into any type of specialized cell of human body. A stem cell is a cell that has the ability to develop into any conceivable different kind of specialized cell type. The existence of a stem cell was first discovered by Drs. James Till and Ernset McCulloch from Canada. A stem cell can be distinguished into two types: adult stem cell and embryonic stem cell. An embryonicRead MoreHematopoietic Stem Cells to Cure Leukemia980 Words   |  4 Pages Hematopoietic Stem Cells to Cure Leukemia Genetic Engineering consists in altering the DNA of a cell with the purpose of researching, as well as correcting genetic defects. (learn.genetics.edu) One of the human bodys cells has the ability to grow into any one of the bodys more than 200 cell types and this is called Stem Cells. They are not specialized and unlike mature cells, they can renew themselves and create new cells. Stem cells have a great potential, but extremely limited is the