Stem cells are the raw material from which all of the body’s mature, differentiated cells are made. Stem cells give rise to brain cells, nerve cells, heart cells, pancreatic cells, etc
What’s So Special About Stem Cells?
They have the potential to replace cell tissue that has been damaged or destroyed by severe illnesses.
They can replicate themselves over and over for a very long time.
Understanding how stem cells develop into healthy and diseased cells will assist the search for cures.
Two Kinds of Stem Cells
Embryonic (also called “pluripotent”) stem cells are capable of developing into all the cell types of the body.
Adult stem cells are less versatile and more difficult to identify, isolate, and purify.
Embryonic Stem Cells:
Two Sources of Embryonic Stem Cells
1. Excess fertilized eggs from IVF (in-vitro fertilization) clinics
2. Therapeutic cloning (somatic cell nuclear transfer)
Tens of thousands of frozen embryos are routinely destroyed when couples finish their treatment.
These surplus embryos can be used to produce stem cells.
Regenerative medical research aims to develop these cells into new, healthy tissue to heal severe illnesses
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
The nucleus of a donated egg is removed and replaced with the nucleus of a mature, "somatic cell" (a skin cell, for example).
No sperm is involved in this process, and no embryo is created to be implanted in a woman’s womb.
The resulting stem cells can potentially develop into specialized cells that are useful for treating severe illnesses....
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