Stem Cell Help

Some stem cells can divide into a limited number of other cell types and are called multipotent stem cells. Other stem cells can divide into almost all types of  cells in the body, except the fetus and are called pluripotent stem cells. Multipotent stem cells can be obtained from the bone marrow of  adults and used for treating cancer . However, the cells in adults, may be damaged due to exposure to radiation and other toxins in the environment.

Pluripotent stem cells, which have the most potential for research, are derived from human embryos which are more than a few days old. Stem cells have also been developed from the fetal tissue. Once the stem cells have been isolated in the laboratory, the stem cell line can be grown indefinitely, or frozen for further use.

To derive a  pluripotent stem cell line, a human embryo has to be destroyed. Most stem cell lines are derived from embryos created for in vitro fertility treatment, but not used. These embryos are to be destroyed or stored indefinitely. Since the stem cells are derived from human embryos, many people oppose using stem cells since a potential human life is destroyed.

Stem cells serve as the repair system for the body and can divide into different types of  cells in the body like blood cells, muscle cell or brain cell. Though it has a lot of potential,  stem cell research  is also controversial in many countries.

When a stem cell divides, the daughter cell may become another stem cell or a different type of cell. This property of stem cell makes it useful for treating diseases like cancer. As long as the human being or animal is alive, the stem cells will continue to multiply.

Since stem cells can develop into any type of cell, stem cell research offers scientists an opportunity to understand how cells are formed. It also allows them to modify the cells as required for transplantation or treatment of diseases. Though  pluripotent stem cells are rejected by the immune system, in future , scientists hope to be able to solve the problem

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