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WHAT IS A STEM CELL?
Stem cells are cells that are able
to differentiate into specialized cell types but also retain the ability
to renew themselves through cell division.
Stem cells were first identified in embryos. In an embryonic blastocyst,
stem cells of the inner cell mass proceed to develop into all of the
tissues and organs of the body.
In adults, progenitor cells and possibly multipotent adult stem cells
act as a repair system for the body, replenishing more specialized
cells. The existence of truly pluripotent stem cells in adult humans
beings is still scientifically controversial.
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What
is a stem cell?
Research history and
developments
Isolation and in vitro culture
Production of male gametes
Contamination by reagents used in cell culture
Reducing donor-host rejection
Potential method for new cell line derivation
Stem cell therapies
Controversy of
Embryonic stem cell research
Arguments for cell research state these reasons:
Arguments against embryonic stem cell research
Stem cells without embryonic destruction
Patents covering human
stem cell research
International policy
context
US policy debate
Origins of policy debate in the U.S.
Congressional response
References |