Here's one definition of what stem cells are: ''They are characterized by the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and differentiating into a diverse range of specialized cell types. ..". The idea behind stem cells is that they can be used to regenerate new cells and help treat some diseases. A lot of information is covered on this topic in an article titled, The Super Cell, by Jeanne Lenzer. These stem cells aren't specialized to a specific function (undifferentiated). Embryoinic stem cells created a big controversy due to the fact that it used to be you would have to sacrafice an embryo. My next question would've been, "if there are somatic stem cells why not store them for individuals in case they need them at a later date?" Well the article continues on to say, " Moreover because foreign stem cells would be rejected by the body, much like a foreign heart or kidneys, scientists had proposed literally cloning the patients..." ( Lenzer, DiscoverMagazine.com pg 32). It all seems well and good but what are the affects? (Next blog topic)
Questions:
Where would they store these stem cells? Could it be possible that scientists create a library stem cells to house them, and categorize them?
If somatic stem cells are used to repair old cells etc. why don't they automatically correct cell mutations?
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