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Stem Cell Research

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Stem Cell Research
Sarah-Renee Keller

So far, stem cell research had been a topic of great debate and will continue to be. This is mainly for moral or religious reasons. Stem cell research, though hotly debated, could possibly change or save millions of lives. This is why I believe Stem Cell Research should be continued. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Also, while the moralities of others should be considered and respected as much as possible, it shouldn't take precedence when the benefits of stem cell therapies have the potential to be so many.
Definition of stem cells Stem cells are cells with the ability to divide many times and can eventually develop into many different tissues that perform specific functions. The two types of stem cells are embryonic and adult (or somatic) stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are obtained from embryos, most of which are left over attempts from in-vitro fertilization. They are then placed in a culture dish in the hope that they will continue to multiply and not differentiate. Somatic stem cells are cells acquired from adults in tissues that need to generate more cells to maintain themselves and function (such as bone marrow). Scientists typically have much more difficulty trying to generate adult stem cells in cultures than embryonic stem cells.
Stem cells can be totipotent, pluripotent, or multipotent. Totipotent cells are the most useful, because they can become any cell or tissue type. The middle ground between totipotent and multipotent are the pluripotent cells which can develop into all cells with the exception of germ cells. Multipotent cells, those found in adults, can develop into few different cell types. Embryos are where totipotent and pluripotent cells are found (they become pluripotent as they develop).

History of stem cell research and therapies
Stem cells were discovered in the

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