B2.4 Stem cell dilemmas

Question 1

Where do the majority of stem cells for research come from, and why do some people object to their use?

Answer 1

Many embryonic stem cells come from aborted embryos. Some people reject stem cell use as they as they believe it offends human dignity, harms/destroys human life, or their religious beliefs that go against it.

Question 2

What health problems is it hoped stem cells may one day help to cure?

Answer 2

It is hoped stem cells may one day help to cure spinal cord injuries, repairing hearts after a heart attack, blindness, and repairing damaged bone and cartilage.

Question 3

What is the potential problem of using stem cells from one person to treat another person?

Answer 3

If stem cells from an adult are used to treat another unrelated person, they could trigger an immune response.

Question 4

What is therapeutic cloning?​

Answer 4

Therapeutic cloning is the production of embryonic stem cells for use in replacing or repairing damaged tissues or organs