1. Use of Human Embryos: Research LI: I will understand how human embryos can be used for research. Success: I have taken notes on stem cell research and answered an exam question.

2. Stem cell Research Embryonic stem cells or "ES cells”. Stem cells are the very early cells that can develop into almost all other types of cell and tissue. They occur in the early (five-day) embryo when it is a tiny ball of about 100 cells before it implants in the uterus They also occur in significant numbers in some tissues in the developing foetus and in umbilical cord blood at birth. They can also be found in some adult tissue, e.g. bone marrow, but they can be difficult to isolate, being present in very small numbers.

3. Because of their ability to differentiate into so many different cells and tissues, stem cells hold out exciting prospects for the development of new cell- based therapies. They are already used for some treatments of cancers (bone marrow stem cells) and in early clinical trials in Parkinson's disease (foetal stem cells). The hope is that tissues derived from stem cells will provide a limitless supply of material to treat currently-incurable diseases and injuries. All ES cell research (UK) uses cells derived from in vitro fertilisation (IVF) embryos donated by couples for research when they are not needed for infertility treatment.

4. Benefits of Stem Cell Research Cures to diseases Reduction of genetic disorders Improved drugs Improved treatments Help create better forms of contraception. Research into infertility treatment. Less rejection of organ transplants from therapeutic cloning of organs BBC NEWS | Health | Q&A: Stem cells

5. Dangers Devalues human life. A human embryo is already a human life that is entitled to protection. The use of adult stem cells from sources such as umbilical cord blood has consistently produced more promising results than the use of embryonic stem cells. umbilical cord blood There have been many advances in adult stem cell research - adult stem cell research may be able to make greater advances if less money and resources were channelled into embryonic stem cell research. Adult stem cells have already produced therapies, while embryonic stem cells have not.

6. Exam Questions can be specific! Q1. What is involved in embryonic stem cell research 4ku 2013 Q2. “Embryonic stem cell research is a necessary evil.” Explain how this view can be justified. 6AE 2013

7. What is involved in embryonic stem cell research 4ku 2013

8. Marking Instructions: No marks for writing a list. It is possible for candidates to identify four points and where this is the case each point should be accompanied by an explanation. Candidates may decide to describe fewer points in varying depths, but no maximum or minimum number of marks should be applied for each one. Candidates may illustrate their description by using examples. Suggested areas covered in answers  Research into genetic diseases  Research into causes of infertility, miscarriage  Find cures/treatments/better drugs  Better forms of contraception  Process of creating stemcells  Process of IVF.

9. Embryonic stem cell research is a necessary evil.”Explain how this view can be justified. 6AE 2013

10. “Embryonic stem cell research is a necessary evil.”Explain how this view can be justified. 6AE 2013 Marking Instructions: Candidates are not expected to write six different points although they should not be penalised if they do. There is no maximum or minimum number of marks for each point made.  Question of personhood –embryos not sentient beings  Only up to 14 days  Can lead to cures to diseases  Can lead to a reduction of generic disorders  Can lead to improved drugs/treatments  Offers hope for infertile couples  Offers hope of a healthy child to couples who are genetically at risk  Offers an opportunity to select desirable traits  Can’t undo scientific progress –duty to use this to improve human race  Suffering of potential human beings is far outweighed by benefits to actual human beings.