As we move forward in our examination of the workings of the human body, we see not only the normal workings of the body, but malfunctions and science's attempt to fix things gone wrong. Stem cell research is one of the current and controversial methods being studied for the treatment and cure of many diseases, such as ALS, diabetes, and Parkinson's, to name a few.
The field is changing rapidly as the technology improves AND the political players shift in and out of office. Therefore, we need to do a little research before we can form an opinion on the concept and its ramifications. In preparation for this, please surf the web and compile answers to the following questions:
-What are stem cells?
-Some stem cells are unipotent, while others are multipotent or pluripotent. What do these descriptions mean?
-Why are embryonic stem cells not considered totipotent?
-What do we mean when we refer to a cell as differentiated?
-What does dedifferentiation mean?
-What does transdifferentiation mean?
-What is meant by stem cell plasticity?
-From which part of the embryo are embryonic stem cell lines derived?
-Where can stem cells be found in an adult mammal?
-What is known about the regulation of stem cells?
-What types of human disorders and diseases might be treatable using stem cells?
-What scientific obstacles still exist in the quest to develop stem-cell based therapies for human diseases?
-Why is the maintenance of a stable karyotype a critical feature for any stem cell line that will be used for therapeutic purposes?
-In what way are the ethical dilemmas associated with the use of embryonic stem cells different than those posed by the use of adult stem cells?
-Could the full range of biomedical benefits be obtained from stem cells without the destruction of embryos?
-Should donors of either eggs or adult stem cells receive financial compensation?
-How supportive of stem cell research is the government? What impact does that support have on programs conducting this research?
A good site to consider is National Institutes of Health website, www.nih.gov. They have a stem cell primer that will address many of these questions with reliable information. Don't hesitate to use other sites, but check to make sure they are reliable!
Compile all of your answers and bring them to class on Monday, at which point I will assign you a position and we will debate the pros and cons of stem cell research.
Happy Science!
