The Pros and Cons of Stem Cells Use

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The primary cells that divide to create new cells in the human body are stem cells. There are different types of stem cells, with different capabilities. There are some that can only create certain types of cells, while others can create almost any type of cell, and some cells that have differentiated can turn back into stem cells. Stem cells not only have the capability to divide to create new cells, but they are flexible enough to turn themselves into different types of cells. The trouble is that this differentiation, with some exceptions, is a one-way process. Stem cells are multi-potential somatic cells from which other specialized cells come up by differentiation. Stem cells are a group of undifferentiated cells that are able to differentiate into specialized cell types. “In many tissues, stem cells serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive” (Teresa, 2006). Stem cells are categorized by their potential to differentiate into other types of cells. Embryonic stem cells are the most potent since they must become every type of cell in the body. Stem cells exhibit two characteristics not found in more differentiated cells. They can also give rise to a wide range of mature cells types. Stem cells also help to construct the body, from a small number of cells, in the early development of the body. Stem cells are capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods. “Stem cells have the ability to divide infinitely and develop into a huge variety of specialized cells required for the creation of an organism” (Hoyle, 2010). Unlike muscle cells, blood cells, or nerve cells, stem cells may replicate and make c... ... middle of paper ... ...ieved June 9, 2010, from http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/SciRC?locID=nysl_me_salehs&bi=SU&bt=stem+cell+&c=9&t=1&ste=21&docNum=CV2433500388&st=b&tc=63&tf=32 Stem Cells. (n.d.). Stem Cells. Retrieved May 25, 2010, from galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/SciRC?ste=1&docNum=CV2433500483 Stem Cells and Stem Cell Research. (n.d.). Stem Cells and Stem Cell Research. Retrieved May 28, 2010, from galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/SciRC?locID=nysl_me_salehs&bi=SU&bt=stem+cells&c=4&t=1&ste=21&docNum=CV2430500388&st=b&tc=63&tf=0 Weiss, R. (n.d.). Stem Cell Research Article, Embryonic Cells Information, Cell Therapy Facts -- National Geographic. Science and Space Facts, Science and Space, Human Body, Health, Earth, Human Disease - National Geographic. Retrieved June 10, 2010, from http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human-body/human-body/stem-cell-divide.html

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