Difference between revisions of "Embryonic stem cells"
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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. | ||
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| + | Upstanding [[pro-life]] conservatives consider taking stem cells from human embryos, which are then discarded, as tantamount to [[abortion]], a hideous and [[evil]] practice. President Bush was pressured by [[Liberal]] [[Scientist]]s into funding stem cell research, resulting in the death of hundreds of human embryos[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/08/20010809-2.html]. | ||
Revision as of 17:09, March 31, 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.
Upstanding pro-life conservatives consider taking stem cells from human embryos, which are then discarded, as tantamount to abortion, a hideous and evil practice. President Bush was pressured by Liberal Scientists into funding stem cell research, resulting in the death of hundreds of human embryos[1].