Difference between revisions of "Embryonic stem cells"
(Reverting Vandalism) |
Sciencebuff (Talk | contribs) |
||
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into the three "germ layers": ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. The 220 types of cells in humans are all based on these germ layers. Some scientists, particularly those having pro-choice political views, claim that embryonic stem cells can differentiate better, and divide into greater numbers, than [[adult stem cells]] can. | Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into the three "germ layers": ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. The 220 types of cells in humans are all based on these germ layers. Some scientists, particularly those having pro-choice political views, claim that embryonic stem cells can differentiate better, and divide into greater numbers, than [[adult stem cells]] can. | ||
| − | But there hasn't | + | But there hasn't yet been a single clinical trial showing any success from embryonic stem cells. Moreover, even if were possible to provide cures (which is unproven), then an approved cure based on embryonic stem cells would be at least ten years away. |
Revision as of 22:30, March 16, 2007
Embryonic stem cells are taken from the inner part of a young embryo, also known as a blastocyst. An embryo reaches the blastocyst stage about 4-5 days after fertilization. At that point they contain about 50-150 cells.
Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into the three "germ layers": ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. The 220 types of cells in humans are all based on these germ layers. Some scientists, particularly those having pro-choice political views, claim that embryonic stem cells can differentiate better, and divide into greater numbers, than adult stem cells can.
But there hasn't yet been a single clinical trial showing any success from embryonic stem cells. Moreover, even if were possible to provide cures (which is unproven), then an approved cure based on embryonic stem cells would be at least ten years away.
