Benefits Of Embryonic Stem Cell Technology
Embryonic stem cells are characterized by two distinctive properties, namely pluripotency and self-replication.
Embryonic stem cells can propagate themselves indefinitely and this makes them a potent tool for both research and regenerative medicine.
Unlike adult stem cells that are multi-potent and can produce only a limited number of cell types, embryonic stem cells are capable of generating all cell types in the body as they contain genetic information for all cell types. This makes them very beneficial for the scientists who can use any embryonic cell to grow blood, tissue, nerve or other body cells. This way, through embryonic stem cell technology, scientists can understand the mechanism behind cell development and can thereby determine the role of each cell in the process of growth and development of the body.
By properly understanding the process of cell development, scientists and doctors will be able to prevent many birth defects that occur at different stages of development within the womb. Advanced study of embryonic stem cell technology will enable the scientists and doctors to understand and find the exact location at which certain cells mutate and result in birth defect. In theory, they can prevent this from occurring either by blocking or stimulating certain enzymes within the womb. So, now you can be rest assured of giving birth to a healthy baby.
Embryonic stem cell technology has proved to be effective in understanding the aging process, as it allows scientists to determine the specific enzymes that facilitate the aging process. Your cells produce certain enzymes that cause you to age at a specified rate. With embryonic stem cell technology, scientists will be able to block or remove these enzymes to slow down or completely stop the aging process. Thus, you can say good-bye to all old age-related problems such as arthritis and decreased vision. There are ethical issues associated with this aspect of embryonic stem cell technology.
You need to know that in embryonic stem cell technology, embryos are kept in a permanent state of early development. This makes them ideal for the purpose of various drugs and medical testing. Thus, scientists can infect them with a particular disease and find its appropriate treatment. This way, scientists will be able to determine the treatment methods of various dreaded diseases such as cancer, schizophrenia, Alzheimer, diabetes and Parkinson.
Besides, embryo stem cell technology also eliminates the need killing animals for testing. As per a research carried out by PETA, over 70 million animals are killed or injured every year due to medical testing. With embryonic stem cell technology, this number will surely decrease.
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