Why Stem Cell Research is Controversial

Reasons Behind Stem Cell Research Controversy

Stem cell research is a topic that has sparked much debate and controversy over the years. One of the main reasons for this controversy is the source of stem cells, particularly human embryonic stem cells (ESC).

Stem cells are regenerative and differentiating cells that have the potential to develop into various types of cells. However, the best source of stem cells is a human embryo, which is often obtained from aborted fetuses. This ethical dilemma has raised concerns among the public and policymakers.

The research on human embryonic stem cells involves the destruction of embryos to obtain pluripotent stem cells, which can differentiate into any cell type. This controversial aspect of stem cell research has led to legal and ethical issues, creating a social controversy surrounding the topic.

Overall, the controversy surrounding stem cell research is primarily due to the use of human embryonic stem cells and the ethical implications of obtaining these cells.

Which is the most likely reason that stem cell research is controversial?

Answer: The correct answer is that it involves human embryonic stem cells (ESC).

Explanation: Stem cells are regenerative and differentiating cells which can develop into any type of cells even after they remain inactive for a long time. They are the first differentiation cells of the embryo proper which are formed just after fertilization.

The research on these Embryonic stem cell (ESC) is a reason for legal and ethical issues which led to the social controversy after the first successful culturing of human ESCs in the laboratory in 1998 by James Thomson and John Gearhardt as "it destroys the embryos to obtain the pluripotent ESCs.

Thus, it involves human embryonic stem cells (ESC) is the correct answer.