ETHICS IN STEM CELL

RESEARCH
 WHAT IS A STEM CELL ?
• Stem cells are the body's raw materials. Cells from which all
other cells with specialized functions are generated. Under the
right conditions in the body or a laboratory, stem cells divide to
form more cells called daughter cells.

• These daughter cells become either new stem cells or

specialized cells with a more specific function, such as blood
cells, brain cells, heart muscle cells or bone cells. No other cell
in the body has the natural ability to generate new cell types.
 HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL

Human embryonic stem cell (HESC) research offers much hope for
alleviating the human suffering brought on by the ravages of disease
and injury. HESCs are characterized by their capacity for self-
renewal and their ability to differentiate into all types of cells of the
body..
HOW ARE EMBRYONICSTEM CELLS
USEFUL? 
They are useful because they could: 
Produce regenerated tissue such as skin
Heal diseases such as type 1 diabetes
Grow whole replacement organs, for example hearts and kidneys
Produce large quantities of striated muscle fibres or meat for human
consumption. 
 ETHICS
• Opponents of HESC research argue that the research is morally
impermissible because it involves the unjust killing of innocent human
beings.
• The derivation of HESC cultures requires the removal of the
trophoblast. This process of disaggregating the blastocyst’s cells
eliminates its potential for further development.
• The main goal of HESC research is to identify the mechanisms that
govern cell differentiation and to turn HESCs into specific cell types
that can be used for treating debilitating and life-threatening diseases
and injuries.
 NEW DEVELOPMENT 
Professor Vincent Pasque and his team at KU Leuven have
managed to generate a new type of human cell in the lab using stem
cells.

Now Joshua Mark Brickman and his colleagues have found that the
master gene that controls stem cells and supports pluripotency also
exists in a fish called coelacanth. In humans and mice this gene is called
OCT4 and they found that the coelacanth version could replace the
mammalian one in mouse stem cells.
 THANK
YOU

Reference: University of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

(2022, December 12). Scientists finds stem cell network in ancient fish. ScienceDaily.
Retrieved December 15, 2022 from
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/12/221212180527.htm 
B Biology Course Book: 2014 Edition: Oxford IB Diploma Program page no.-12 and 15