Grade 10 Applied Science – Biology
Stem Cells
Stem Cells are cells that have the ability to develop into different cell types. That is, each new cell, when
dividing, has the potential either to remain a stem cell OR become another type of cell with a more
specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell or a brain cell.
What makes Stem Cells unique?
Stem cells have two important characteristics.
 Stem Cells are unspecialized cells capable of renewing themselves through cell division,
sometimes after long periods of inactivity.
 Under certain conditions, Stem Cells can be induced to become tissue- or organ-specific cells
with special functions.
Human Stem Cells come from three sources.
 Starting in 1998, Stem Cells were derived from human embryos and grown in a laboratory. These
cells were called human embryonic stem cells. The embryos were created by in vitro
fertilization. When the embryos were no longer needed for that purpose, they were donated for
research with the informed consent of the donor. Why embryos? In the 3- to 5-day-old embryo
(called a blastocyst), the inner cells give rise to the entire body of the organism, including all of
the many specialized cell types and organs such as the heart, lung, skin, sperm, eggs and other
tissues.
 Adult Stem Cells that have similar characteristics to embryonic stem cells but with “less flexibility”
(i.e., they cannot form all types of specialized cells).
 In 2006, a laboratory process was developed that allowed specialized adult cells to be
"reprogrammed" genetically to assume a stem cell-like state similar to embryonic stem cell. This
new type of stem cell, called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
If an embryonic stem cell contains all the DNA for life, can it be suggested that Stem Cells are life and, as
such, the cell is a person? If so, is using a Stem Cell murder? Conversely, the early embryo consists of
only a few undifferentiated cells. Although an embryo has the potential to develop into a person, it is not
a person. An embryo is not sentient; it has no brain, sensory organs, ability to think, memory, awareness
of its surroundings, consciousness, internal organs, arms, legs, head, etc.
What do you think?
Some Pros and Cons of Embryonic Stem Cell Research
PRO
CON
Stem Cells offer much hope for medical
advancement because they grow into almost any
kind of cell. For instance, neural cells in the brain
and spinal cord that have been damaged can be
replaced by stem cells. In the treatment of cancer,
cells destroyed by radiation or chemotherapy can
be replaced with new healthy stem cells that adapt
to the affected area, whether it be part of the brain,
heart, liver, lungs, etc.
Embryonic stem cells stored over time can cause
chromosome mutations that create cancer cells
Embryonic Stem Cells are extracted before
differentiation. The “blastocyst” has no human
features, senses or awareness. It is not alive.
Embryonic Stem Cells are extracted directly from
an embryo before the embryo's cells begin to
differentiate. At this stage the embryo is referred to
as a "blastocyst." Some people see human life
occurring from the point of conception. Embryonic
Stem Cells destroy the embryo, and as such, may
kill a potential life. How do we measure life?
Embryonic Stem Cells are used for research
purposes only. No new lives will be created.
The cells could be used to create Frankensteins.
The process in unethical. It could lead to cloning
humans.
Embryonic Stem Cells can be taken from the
umbilical cord without terminating the pregnancy.
These cells can also offer a perfect match to the
newborn and other family members
Nature should be allowed to take its course.
Humans should not play God.
Stem Cell research may provide a cure for
Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Heart
Disease and Diabetes (Type 1). It also offers hope
for spinal cord injuries and organ damage.
The scientific value has been overstated. It has
flaws. We do not know for sure that we can use
stem cells to clone transplantable organs.
Destroying a few could save millions of lives
Human embryos are the most vulnerable of human
forms