Stem Cell Research

• Author: Maureen McTeer
• Pages: 138-143

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– chapter twelve –

Stem Cell Research

STEM CELLS*

A stem cell is a cell that has the ability to divide for indenite periods

in culture and to give rise to specialized cells. Embryonic stem cells are

taken from embryos that are three to ve days old. eir special quality

is that they can become any type of cell in the human body. Adult stem

cells produce the many types of cells that are needed to maintain the

body’s tissues and organs and can divide and reproduce indenitely. Most

often they produce the same type of tissue in which they are found. Some

adult stem cells can form dierent kinds of tissues, while others are so

specialized that they can only form one kind.

Researchers have now discovered how to reprogram some adult stem

cells. Such reprogramed adult stem cells are called induced pluripotent

stem cells (iPSC) and can be used instead of embryonic stem cells in

some cases. is is particularly important because the number of embryos

* e discussion in this section is somewhat limited by my own lack of expertise in the

area. For those seeking a more in depth analysis, I would recommend the following

excellent two-part article: Françoise Baylis & Matthew Herder, “Policy Design for

Human Embryo Research in Canada: An Analysis. Part  of ” () : Journal of

Bioethical Inquiry – and Françoise Baylis & Matthew Herder, “Policy Design for

Human Embryo Research in Canada: An Analysis. Part  of ” () : Journal of

Bioethical Inquiry –.