The Two Main Types of Stem Cell

Stem Cells?

There are 2 many types of stem cell.

Embryonic Stem Cells

 Embryonic stem cells are cells that can potentially develop into many different cell types (more than 200) in the body. They are derived from embryos, and are eggs fertilised by in-Vito fertilisation. A small electric shock is given to the egg to start cell division (mitosis). They are cultures of cells, and can help with the repair of tissue by dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells if inserted into the body. They can help with illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Nearly all research into embryonic research carried out has been on Mouse or Human embryonic stem cells. The first trial for embryonic stem cells was carried out in Atlanta on October 13 2010. They were carried out on spinal injury victims. They were injected directly into their body where they differentiated into many different types of cells and replaced and repaired the damaged cells. Embryonic stem cells remain a potential source of medical tissue replacement after injury or disease.

Adult Stem Cells

Adult stem cells are found in both children and adult stem cells. They are quite rare, but found in many tissues including blood in the umbilical cord. Most stem cells are lineage-restricted which means for example: a blood cell can become many different types of blood cell, but cannot become a brain cell. This restricts its usefulness. But the risk of rejection of the cells is non-existent, making adult stem cells incredibly reliable. This is because the stem cells are obtained from the recipient. Not a donor. Adult stem cell treatments have been used successfully for many years to treat leukaemia and bone related cancers through bone marrow transplants. They have also been used in veterinary medicine to treat tendon and ligament injuries in horses.

  Moral Issues

This is a very controversial issue, and many moral and religious issues with the use of stem cells in research and therapy. Adult stem cells in research and therapy are not as controversial as embryonic stem cells, because adult stem cells do not require the use and destruction of an embryo. So there is more funding given in the U.S.A. to research into adult stem cells.