An analysis stem cell research

An analysis stem cell research Do the benefits of using embryonic stem cells for medical and research purposes outweigh the disadvantages associated with loss of life? Problem: Embryonic stem cells result in loss of life Embryonic stem cells are unspecialised cells that have the ability under certain conditions to create any of the different types of tissue in early human growth and can renew themselves through cell division1. The ability of stem cells to specialise into over 220 types of cells in the adult human body is what interests scientists and provides potential to create a variety of clinical therapies to cure disease2. Embryonic stem cells are harvested from fertilised human embryos that have either been donated or have been created artificially in a laboratory. Embryos are created by in vitro fertilisation and donated for research with the donor’s consent2. The embryoblast, the inner cell mass, of the blastocyst is removed and is placed into a culture dish containing a controlled culture of nutri ents that allow the cells to divide and create stem cell lines that are managed and shared amongst researchers3. Fig. 1 – A microphotograph of human embryonic stem cells4. Scientists are studying the use of stem cells in medical research to harness how they differentiate into specialised cells that make up the tissues of the human body2. Many diseases occur due to problems associated with cell differentiation so better knowledge about what happens in cells can help prevent these problems in the future2. In addition creating new tissues can help to repair damage caused by disease or the creation of new cells can assist patients who have deficiencies such as the inability to create insulin in the case of diabetes patients or have damaged or diseased organs. Such therapies could also reduce the demand on transplant organs and loss of life as many people die waiting for a transplant. Stem cell therapies hope to reduce morbidity for such people in the future. Stem cells are also u sed to test drugs before testing on live animals and humans2. In order to use embryonic stem cells, in researching and developing such therapies, a living human embryo, which would otherwise have the potential to develop into a baby in the right conditions, is destroyed by removing stem cells when it is about 4 to 6 days old. Destroying embryos in this manner has resulted in controversy over the sanctity of human life versus the potential to treat a number of human diseases. The sanctity of human life in arguments about embryonic stem cell research follows similar rationale to those that oppose abortion. Various religious groups see life as sacrosanct and hold that life is precious and the harvesting of embryonic stem cells and the resulting destruction of the embryo brings life to an end albeit to a collection of cells with potential to develop into a person4. Research using embryonic stem cells is still fairly recent. A few clinical trials are currently underway that are investiga ting the safety of the use of the techniques and stem cells in restoring spinal cord function and others in retinal stem cells being used to treat eye disease2.

Cell Components Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cell Components - Essay Example In many ways, plant cells are similar to other eukaryotic cells. They have (usually just) one nucleus, organelles, a plasma membrane, and (almost all of them) share connections to adjacent cells. Cell walls and chloroplasts are the major plant cell distinctive features (Bowes, 1996). Protein synthesis occurs at tiny organelles called ribosomes. Ribosomes are composed of a large subunit and a small subunit. Ribosomes can be found alone in the cytoplasm, in groups called polyribosomes, or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum (Bowes, 1996). The cytoplasm is a jellylike substance. It contains the nucleus and other cell structures (organelles). The cytoplasm contains enzymes, and most of the chemical reactions take place there. Cytoplasm operates as a "molecular soup" that binds together all of the cell's organelles, and separates the organelles within the cell. Cytoplasm is believed to be the origin of cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton supports movement of the cell as well as its anatomy through the cytoplasmic streaming. This occurs when the cytoskeleton moves to press the cell membrane it is then when the cytoplasm moves and occupies the empty space (Francis, 1996). Work Cited Bowes, Bryan.G. (1996). A Color Atlas of Plant Structure. London, UK: Manson Publishing. Francis, Dennis. (2001). The Plant Cell Cycle and Its Interfaces. London, UK: CRC

Philosophy of Morality by David Hume Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Philosophy of Morality by David Hume - Essay Example The present research has identified that according to Hume, we naturally approve of actions and qualities which we find either immediately agreeable or useful. Wit and eloquence are examples of the former; industry and honesty are examples of the latter. Although these sentiments of approbation and blame arise internally; they are by no means primarily self-centered or relative to each individual. Hume avoids these pitfalls by suggesting that human beings possess a general feeling of sympathy. Not to be confused with universal benevolence or generosity, sympathy allows us to share in the happiness and misery of those around us. Hume contends that the "minds of all men are not similar in their feelings and operations, nor can anyone be actuated by any affection, of which all others are not, in some degree, susceptible. As in strings equally wound up, the motion of one communicates itself to the rest; so all the affections readily pass from one person to another, and beget corresponden t movements in every human creature". In his more mature writings, Hume describes this sympathetic impulse as a sentiment of humanity. He points out that the very notion of morals implies some "sentiment common to all mankind, which recommends the same object to general approbation, and makes every man, or most men, agree in the same opinion or decision concerning it. It also implies some sentiment, so universal and comprehensive as to extend to all mankind and render the actions and conduct, even of the persons the most remote, an object of applause or censure, according to as they agree or disagree with that rule of right which is established. Without this ability to appeal to common sentiment, to recognize the fundamental likeness of human beings, man would be nothing but a "fancied monster," indifferent to others and totally incapable of making regular moral judgments. It is this sympathetic impulse, this shared sentiment of humanity that serves as the foundation of all moral co ncord. Although the sentiment of humanity is "kneaded into our frame" and diffused so widely that "no man is absolutely indifferent to the happiness and misery of others", Hume is well aware that human beings do not live in conditions of universal benevolence and amity. His History of England is filled with examples of callousness, cruelty, and moral confusion. However, Hume avoids this apparent contradiction by suggesting that our sentiment of humanity is frighteningly fragile and can be perverted by external factors. Although the most prevalent and powerful of these factors is religion, it would be a serious mistake to conclude that Hume considers all forms of religion morally destructive. While some religions--those described by Hume as superstitious or enthusiastic--tend to undermine the common sentiment of humanity, Hume recognizes that religion is sometimes capable of promoting our recognition of similitude and bolstering the fragile moral sense. It is the latter species of re ligion that Hume recommends for the public establishment.