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The Stem Cell Dilemma
Zhaoyuan (Zoe) Xi
AP Biology
P. 1
Stem Cell Basics
• 2 basic types:
– Embryonic stem cells
– Adult stem cells
• Can divide & renew themselves for a long
period of time
• Unspecialized
• Differentiate into other cell types
• Potential to treat disease/injury
The Dilemma
• “The status of the human embryo and human
embryonic stem cell research is a controversial
issue as, with the present state of technology, the
creation of a human embryonic stem cell line
requires the destruction of a human embryo.”
The Opponents
• Mainly conservative pro-life
Protestant evangelical and
Catholic communities
• Embryos are human
• Morally wrong to destroy a
human
• Fertilization is the starting
point in life
• Alternative?
• Adult stem cells
The Supporters
• Majority of Americans
• Hold enormous potential
for curing/treatments
– Embryonic stem cells have
greater plasticity
• Embryos used for research
are left over and would
otherwise be thrown away
• Embryos aren’t people