Stem Cell Therapy

Question 1

How are stem cells able to be used in order to treat diseases?

Answer 1

• can divide into specialised cells so can be used to replace damaged tissues
• have molecules called transcription factors which are able to switch genes on and off so control protein production

Question 2

What are the for arguments for the use of embryonic stem cells?

Answer 2

1. Used to prevent people suffering from disease
2. Yield better results when used compared to adult stem cells
3. Able to differentiate into all types of cells, adult stem cells can’t
4. Don’t resemble a baby/foetus so should not be seen as ending a life
5. Adult stem cells can be turned into iPS but there is very little research to show that iPS cells are like true pluripotent stem cells

Question 3

What are the against arguments for the use of embryonic stem cells?

Answer 3

1. Leads to the destruction of life
2. Using adult stem cells does not include killing embryos
3. Why use embryonic stem cells when cells from the patient can be turned into iPS?
4. It is wrong to create life as a means to an end