Understanding Embryonic Stem Cells Technology
Embryonic stem cells, as the name itself suggests are obtained from embryos. The embryonic stem cells, are a tiny, microscopic hollow balls of cells known as the blastocyst.
ES cells are not only grown in human body but they can also be grown in laboratories. Growing Embryonic stem cells in a laboratory is known as the cell culture. At any stage, in the process of developing embryonic stem cells, the cells can be preserved by freezing it or it can be shipped to other laboratories.
Very often embryonic and adult stem cells are considered the same; however, there are significant medical and scientific differences between embryonic and adult stem cell research and therapy. The advantages and disadvantages of Embryonic stem cells.
At each and every stage during the process of developing embryonic stem cells, scientists test the cells to check whether the cells are exhibiting their fundamental characteristics. This process of testing the cells is called characterization.
The Embryonic stem cells are classified mainly on two properties, their pluripotency and their ability to renew themselves. Pluripotencty is the characteristic of the ES cell that distinguishes it from the adult stem cells. While the adult stem cells are capable of generating only a few types of cells, the ES cell with its pluripotencty characteristic is able to produce all types of cells in the body.
Very often, the ES cells and adult stem cells are considered as the same thing but there is a significant medical and scientific difference between the two. Some advantages and disadvantages of the cells are listed below:
Embryonic Stem Cell Advantages:
1. These cells are very flexible i.e. they have the potential to make almost all type of cell present in the human body.
2. These cells are immortal. The cells have the capacity to provide an endless supply of cells with defined characteristics. These cells are self-sustaining.
3. Embryonic stem cells are very easily available. They are readily available in the vitro fertilization clinics.
A major advantage of the embryonic stem cell technology is the possibilities associated to cloning. ES cells contain information on every body cell and so can be manipulated by the scientists in every possible way. This makes them an ideal tool for cloning purpose. Scientists all over the world believe that embryonic stem cells can be used to grow artificial organs and limbs, which can then be transplanted into humans who require it. As the embryonic stem cells are the exact DNA matches, the transplant procedure is more efficient and has a higher possibility of being successful.
Embryonic Stem Cell Disadvantages:
1. It is difficult to differentiate uniformly and homogeneously ES cells if transplanted into a target tissue.
2. These cells are Immunogenic i.e. if ES cells from a random embryo donor is transplanted then they are likely to be rejected.
3. These cells are also Tumorigenic, capable of forming tumors or promoting tumor formation.
Despite its drawbacks, significant discoveries about these cells have been made. For instance, Japanese scientists have discovered that adult stem cells can be transformed into pluripotent stem cells and human body accepts these cells. In recent times, a lot of finance is allocated on embryonic stem cell research. In US about $3 billion are allocated for embryonic stem cells.
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