Stem Cell Research

Abstract

Stem cell research has been a major biological breakthrough in recent years. It has great potential to help people and ease suffering. But there is also a moral question raised about stem cell research, and that comes from the source of stem cells. Ever since Stem Cell research started, there has been much debate over whether or not it should be allowed. Some people are completely against stem cell research because the stem cells are often taken from aborted pregnancies, they consider it murder. While others want stem cell research to continue because it can help ease people's suffering and cure disease. There are already certain restrictions (in many countries) on much of the research and it is unclear if these restrictions will be lifted.

Table of Content

Abstracti

Introduction1

Discussion1

Controversy over Stem Cell Research2

Argumentative Statement3

Persuasive Statement6

Conclusion9

Works Cited11

Stem Cell Research

Introduction

Stem cell research is conducted with both embryonic and adult stem cells, and with both human and animal cells. The objective of this paper is to provide argumentative and persuasive statements for stem cell research. In general, scientists, writers, businesspeople, consumers, or journalists take different positions, based on their scientific and experiential knowledge or belief systems according to either opinions or divine revelation. In addition, the value of the arguments is mainly pragmatic and ethical. Because creating a stem cell line from an embryo requires destruction of the embryo, some people object to the process on religious or other ethical grounds, arguing that destroying an embryo is the moral equivalent of killing a human being.

Embryonic stem cells are the raw material from which we are all born. These cells have the capacity to become any body part. Stem cells are present in every human body. After 20 years of research much has been argued and continuous progress has been made in stem cell research. There are three types of stem cells, totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent.

Discussion

Stem cells are unique cells capable of differentiating into specialized cell types when required. Stem cells aid in the healing process of injuries by regenerating the lost areas of the body (Bourque 117). Broken bones, ripped muscles, cut or scratched skin and other possible damages are covered with stem cells of the body. They regenerate forming into the specialized cells (muscle cells, bone cells, blood cells, skin cells, etc.) to make up for the loss. Stem cells are further categorized in terms of their sources; embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from a four to five days old human embryo, which further divide and specialize to form different parts organs and other body structures. Adult stem cells, or somatic stem cells, are found within different types of tissues. These remain in a dormant state for years until stimulated by a disease or injury (Bourque 117).

The best way of identifying stem cells is still to be discovered, however, tests are mostly based on determining the self-renewal capabilities of stem cells. All tests are conducted in laboratories under controlled environment. One way of identifying ...