Why are embryonic stem cells thought to have more therapeutic potential than adult, or somatic, stem cells?

Embryonic Stem Cells vs. Adult Stem Cells: A Comparison

Embryonic stem cells are thought to have more therapeutic potential than adult or somatic stem cells because they have the ability to differentiate into any cell type in the body. This means that they can potentially be used to replace damaged or diseased cells in a variety of organs and tissues.

Pluripotent vs. Multipotent

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they can become any cell in the body, while adult stem cells are usually multipotent, meaning they can only differentiate into a limited number of cell types.

Division and Growth Capabilities

Additionally, embryonic stem cells are able to divide and grow indefinitely, while adult stem cells have a more limited capacity for self-renewal.

Overall, the unique properties of embryonic stem cells make them a promising avenue for research and potential therapies for a wide range of diseases and injuries. However, their use is also controversial due to ethical concerns surrounding their acquisition from human embryos.

Why is the use of embryonic stem cells controversial despite their therapeutic potential?

The use of embryonic stem cells is controversial due to ethical concerns surrounding their acquisition from human embryos. Many people have moral objections to the destruction of human embryos for research purposes. This has led to debates and discussions about the ethical implications of using embryonic stem cells in scientific studies and potential medical treatments.