Focus: The Ethical Issues of Modern Biotechnology - A Focus on Stem Cell Research Warm-up: What is stem cell research anyway, and why is it so controversial?

Learning Targets To explain possible ethical and social issues raised by biotechnological developments such as stem cell research. To take a position on the stem cell research issue and defend your stance.

What are stem cells?                 Stem cells are the body's raw materials — cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. Under the right conditions in the body or a laboratory, stem cells divide to form more cells, called daughter cells. These daughter cells either become new stem cells (self-renewal) or become specialized cells (differentiation) with a more specific function, such as blood cells, brain cells, heart muscle or bone. Stem cells are unique — no other cell in the body has the natural ability to generate new cell types.

What are stem cells?                 Stem cells are the body's raw materials — cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. Under the right conditions in the body or a laboratory, stem cells divide to form more cells, called daughter cells. These daughter cells either become new stem cells (self-renewal) or become specialized cells (differentiation) with a more specific function, such as blood cells, brain cells, heart muscle or bone. Stem cells are unique — no other cell in the body has the natural ability to generate new cell types.

                                                                                                                                      What are stem cells? Stem cells are the body's master cells. All other cells arise from stem cells, including blood cells, nerve cells and others.

Where do stem cells come from? Researchers have discovered several sources of stem cells. Here are two: 1. Embryonic stem cells. These stem cells come from embryos that are four to five days old. At this stage, an embryo is called a blastocyst and has about 150 cells. These are stem cells. They can divide into more stem cells or they can specialize and become any type of body cell. Because of this versatility, embryonic stem cells may have great potential for use to regenerate or repair diseased tissue and organs in people. The embryos being used in embryonic stem cell research come from eggs that were fertilized at in-vitro fertilization clinics (when a woman's egg is fertilized with a man's sperm in a laboratory/petri dish), but never implanted in a woman's uterus because they were no longer wanted or needed. The excess embryos were frozen and later voluntarily donated for research purposes. The stem cells can live and grow in special solutions in test tubes or petri dishes in laboratories.

2. Adult stem cells. These stem cells are found in small numbers in most adult tissues, such as bone marrow. Adult stem cells are also found in children and in placentas and umbilical cords. But, adult stem cells may not be as versatile (able to develop into many different types of cells) and durable (strong, tough) as embryonic stem cells are, which may limit how they can be used to treat diseases. They also don't seem to have the same ability to multiply that embryonic stem cells do. And they are more likely to contain abnormalities due to environmental hazards, such as toxins, or from errors acquired by the cells during replication.

Why is there such an interest in stem cells? Researchers hope stem cell studies can help to: Increase understanding of how diseases occur. Generate healthy cells to replace diseased cells (regenerative medicine). Test new drugs for safety and effectiveness.

Why is there so much controversy over stem cell research, and particularly embryonic stem cell research? Let’s find out, but…think about the messages in this cartoon…

Part 1 – Identifying the Arguments

Embryonic stem cell research forces us to choose between 2 moral principles: The duty to prevent or alleviate (reduce) suffering(i.e.use stem cells to develop cures and treatments for diseases) 2. The duty to respect the value of human life (i.e. protect the rights of the embryo)

The answer to the dilemma between these 2 moral principles hinges on how we view the embryo.

When stem cells are taken from an embryo, the embryo is destroyed. On the other hand, embryonic stem cell research could lead to the discovery of new medical treatments that could reduce the suffering of many people.

Look at the 3 opinions about the moral status of a human embryo (is it a human being). Think about where you stand personally...what is your opinion. Answer Part 2 – Evaluate the Arguments. Be sure to include WHY you feel the way you do.

Wrap-up Write a summary statement on the most important thing you learned today. Explain what that thing is all about. Don’t just name it.