Stem Cell Research
Since most of the cells in our body contain exactly the same genetic material (DNA), a specialized cell, a bone cell for instance, also contains the code for other specialized cells (muscle, brain, etc.) Therefore, the expression of these coding regions plays a large role in determining cell type. Stem cell research has taken advantage of this feature, making it possible to create a variety of specialized cells from a single undifferentiated cell, as shown in the image above (Click on it for a larger version).
Are the potential medical benefits described
by
stem cell researchers overblown?
stem cell researchers overblown?
If we plan to get down and dirty with the stem cell, a background of the topic is a necessity. We have put together a brief stem cell primer for this purpose. Next, a presentation of the issues that relates to this question: political, scientific, and ethical. Finally, we will attempt to reach a conclusion which evaluates the question based on the issues.
