Summary
Stem cells are cell that have not been differentiated and have no specific cells with specific functions for the body. Stem cells can then be used for research and to repair the body by filling in the missing cells that someone does not have. In total there are three separate types of stem cells that have been found: embryonic, somatic, and pluripotent. Embryonic cells are found in young embryos of fertilized human cells. Somatic cells are found in very small amounts in adults. Pluripotents are made from adult cells. Embryonic stem cells are generally the cheapest and easiest ways to acquire stem cells. However, the idea that we are taking cells from what could be a human later on is a controversial topic because it goes against morals and ethics of certain people. Yet scientists need to do this to improve our knowledge.
Reflection
Our group chose the topic of stem cells because it really interested us. We wanted to know about why lots of people find this a bad thing, and yet scientists still use stem cells. On one side the embryo would be a human later on and the process of taking stem cells from them ultimately kills the embryo. So in the process of science we are killing our own species. On the other side the use of stem cells is helpful in research and helping humans repair their bodies. The problem is that it is inefficient to get stem cells in any other way other than embryos. I thought that the controversy was the most interesting part. We all worked on the research and a few of us in the group typed it out onto a google slideshow as well. I would have liked to know more about the actual process of taking stem cells from embryos and how it kills them in the process.