Josh Wihongi

10/16/17
BIOL-1010-303-F17
Stem Cells

What makes a stem cell different from a regular cell and why are they so important? How

can they help cure diseases that are currently known to be incurable? What kind of research is

being done on stem cells? These are questions scientist are still answering today, however, the

much has been learned through various research. The potential of stem cells is something that

could be revolutionary in the progression in the study of biology.

There are three many properties that stem cells have. The first is their ability to divide

and renew themselves for extended periods of time. The second is the fact that they are

unspecialized cells. The third is their ability to give rise to specialized cells. [1]

Unlike certain spells in the body such as muscle cells, blood cells or nerve cells, stem

cells can actually replicate themselves while unspecialized. This, of course, is very important to

note as someday they may be able to replace certain cells that we cannot normally replace. [1]

One of the most important properties of stem cells is the fact that they are unspecialized.

This means that it does not have any tissue specific structures that cause the cell to perform

functions that are specialized for a given tissue. This, of course, allows for the third property of

stem cells. [1]

Stem cells can give rise to specialized cells in a process known as differentiation.

Scientists are still studying how this works, but from what is understood, there are certain signals

that are set off within the cell which cause this reaction to happen. How those signals are set off,

however, is what scientists are still trying to discover. [1]

 Now what makes stem cells so important? After discussing the properties of stem cells, it

is clear to see that stem cells have the unique ability to regenerate and repair damaged tissue.

This ability is actually being used already in certain therapies such as bone marrow

transplantation. Other therapies include transplanting stem cells into a damaged body part and

then directing them to grow into healthy tissue. [2]

Another interesting and controversial potential of stem cells is scientists current ability

to manipulate these undifferentiated cells in a human embryo. These stem cells can be taken out

of an embryo and can be grown and multiplied infinitely in a lab. These cells then have the

capacity to become many different types of human cells. Some have even explored the

possibility of cloning with the help of these stem cells which is why the topic has become so

controversial. [2]

There are quite a few diseases that scientists are currently researching thanks to the

massive potential stem cells have. Some of these diseases include heart disease, Parkinsons

disease, spinal cord injury, Diabetes mellitus, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Arthritis and even

common burns. Many of these diseases are currently known to be treatable, but incurable. Stem

cells, of course, may be the answer to solving these problems. [2]

Stem cells are currently being used in many other ways as well. One of which is the

assisting in discovering and improving our current drugs. Stem cells can be used to test how

drugs might affect different organs throughout the body such as the liver or the kidneys.

Scientists have also discovered new things in normal human development thanks to stem cells by

studying how they form tissues and organs and also how aging impacts their overall function. [3]
 In conclusion, while stem cells have incredible potential and may hold the key to many

unanswered medical questions, they are still very much a mystery in a variety of ways. As study

continues and progresses, many new groundbreaking medical discoveries may come within the

upcoming years.
 Reflection

Throughout researching the topic of stem cells, I have learned quite a bit on how much

potential of this amazing discovery but also about the amount of questions are still unanswered. I

do believe stem cells are the answer to many diseases we currently believe are incurable and for

that, I think we should continue to research them.

There are, of course, some ethical issues that need to be discussed as well, specifically

with the manipulation and cloning of the embryonic stem cells. Some, including myself, may

have trouble with the thought of manipulating and potentially destroying a human embryo even

if it is only a few days old. I do think there needs to be rules implemented, however, I do believe

we should still pursue studying and researching this as many lives may be saved and diseases

may be cured thanks to this research.

I think every single person is affected by the research and the potential of stem cells. The

fact that diseases such as heart disease, Parkinsons disease, spinal cord injury, Diabetes mellitus,

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Arthritis, etc. can potentially be cured one day is incredible.

It was also very interesting reading various sources on what their explanation and input

was on the different function of stem cells and how the controversy surrounding them is

portrayed. Most sites were similar but many also had different perspectives as well.

In conclusion, I am very interested in continuing to see what will come out of the stem

cell research and also to see if the potential we think they might have will actually come to

fruition. Although we still have much work to do as far as researching and studying how these

stem cells work, I do believe that many of the unanswered questions throughout the medical field

lie within these amazing cells.

 Bibliography

1. Stppler, MD Melissa Conrad. What Are Stem Cells? Research, Transplant, Therapy,

Definition. MedicineNet, www.medicinenet.com/stem_cells/article.htm.

2. Stem Cell Basics II. National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services, stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/2.htm.

3. Stem Cells and Research. A Closer Look at Stem Cells, www.closerlookatstemcells.org/from-

lab-to-you/stem-cells-and-research.