“Stem Cell Basics.” The National Institutes of Health, April 2009. Web. 15 Nov. 2009. <http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/defaultpage.asp>.
The National Institutes of Health is a great resource for stem cell research information. The site has an introductory section related to the biological properties of stem cells and their potential to treat disease. The simple, clear explanations in the primer make the topic more accessible to those unfamiliar with the field. Stem cell research has been in the news today and this article provides a good guide for the public to expand their knowledge of stem cells.
Stem cells are found in most multi-cellular organisms and are characterized by the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and under the correct conditions, differentiate into a range of specialized cell types. Stem cells come from two main sources: embryos formed during the blastocyst phase of embryological development and from adult tissue. Adult stem cells can be found in the brain, skin, skeletal muscles, bone marrow, and the liver. They remain in a non-dividing state until activated by disease or tissue injury. Adult stem cells have the ability to generate a range of cell types from the originating organ or even regenerate the entire organ. Embryonic stem cells are derived from a four-or-five day-old human embryo that is in the blastocyst phase. These undifferentiated cells can be induced to develop into specialized cells. Given their unique regenerative abilities, stem cells have the potential to treat diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and brain diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s by replenishing damaged tissue. Policy makers are divided on the issue of stem cell research regarding the ethical implications of harvesting embryonic stem cells. A better understanding of the topic is essential to making informed opinions.
- Vaishali Mittal
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