Stem Cell Research: A Promise Stem Cell Research: A Promise For Sustaining LifeFor Sustaining Life

Author:Author:

Justin RedpathJustin Redpath

OVERVIEW

Sustainability Defining Stem Cells Classifications of Stem Cells Types of Stem Cells Ethical Debate Political Issues Conclusion

Sustainability

Quality of Life– Makes life more enjoyable, less burdensome, or

life extending

Trade-offs

– The relinquishment of one benefit or advantage for another regarded as more desirable

Defining Stem Cells

All stem cells are defined by three main characteristics:– Divide and replenish over time– Unspecialized– Differentiate into specialized cells

Classifications of Stem Cells Three classifications:

– Totipotent• Ability to generate all

cells of an embryo and that support its development

– Unipotent• Only differentiable along

one lineage

– Pluripotent• Transform into any type of

cell in the body, except those needed to develop a fetus

Types of Stem Cells Embryonic Stem Cells

– Defined by their origin– Originate from the blastocyst– Proliferate by unlimited symmetrical divisions

without differentiating– Pluripotent– Clonogenic

Types of Stem Cells (cont.) Adult Stem Cells

– Primary function• Maintain steady functioning of a cell

– Also known as somatic stem cells

– Share two characteristics of all stem cells• Long-term self-renewal

• Potential to give rise to mature cell types which have specialized functions

– Contained in many tissues of the body

– Plasticity

– Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Tissues Containing Adult Stem Cells

Bone Marrow Peripheral Blood Brain Spinal Cord Dental Pulp Blood Vessels Pancreas

Skeletal Muscle Epithelia of the Skin

and Digestive System Cornea Retina Liver

Ethical Debate

When does life begin? Different Religious

Views Source of Embryos Human Cloning

– Playing the role of God

– Psychological costs the clone will bear

Political Issues

Bush’s Stance– Campaign promise

– Middle road

– Limited research

Government Funding– $250,000,000 for

previously acquired embryos

Conclusion

Stem Cell Research– New frontier of

Bioengineering

Sustainability– Deals less with

quantitative monetary costs

– Deals more with sociological costs

Ethical/Moral Issues