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Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. Embryonic stem cells have the potential to be used in regenerative medicine applications, but there is some controversy surrounding how they are harvested. When the embryonic stem cells are removed from the blastocyst it can no longer develop into a human baby.
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Ethical Concerns Regarding Stem Cells
Despite their vast potential clinical applications, there is a contentious debate concerning the ethics of stem cell research.
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Manipulating Stem Cells: Somatic cell nuclear transfer
Somatic cell nuclear transfer is a laboratory technique used to create an ovum with a donor nucleus. The nucleus is first removed from an egg cell. The nucleus from a somatic cell such as a skin cell is removed and implanted into the egg cell. The cell now divides to form a blastocyst. Embryonic stem cells can be removed from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst.
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