What are stem cells?

Stem cells are the basic building blocks of the human body. They are self-renewing, unspecialized cells that can develop into other cells that have specific roles in the body. Some stem cells can develop into any type of cell. Other stem cells can only develop into one type of cell or a limited number of cells.

Why all the fuss about stem cells?

During our lifetime, serious disease or illness will affect nearly all of us. The human body is made of millions of cells. When cells are injured, missing or not working properly, individuals experience problems or disease. Scientists have found that one way to treat diseases is to substitute cells that are unable to work properly with healthy cells. Stem cells have the ability to transform into other cells and can sometimes serve as these replacements.

Are there different types of stem cells?

Yes. There are many types of stem cells but they can be classified into two basic groups: adult stem cells, also known as non-embryonic stem cells and embryonic stem cells, sometimes called early stem cells.

Adult stem cells are taken from body tissues and currently provide remarkable therapies for patients today. No loss of life is required.

Embryonic (“early”) stem cells are taken from an embryo – sometimes referred to as a blastocyst – and require the destruction of young human life to collect the stem cells.

What is “early stem cell research?”

Early stem cell research is the term used by cloning supporters in Missouri to describe embryonic stem cell research and/or the process of human cloning (somatic cell nuclear transfer, SCNT).

Just remember, when you hear someone talk about “early stem cell research,” they are most likely talking about human cloning for embryonic stem cells.

Why haven’t embryonic stem cells been used to treat patients with chronic diseases?

Although some scientists believe that embryonic stem cells may someday be useful in medical treatments, knowledge of embryonic stem cells is incomplete. When implanted in animals, embryonic stem cells continue to replicate and often develop into tumors called teratomas. Due to the unpredictable and risky cancer-causing potential of embryonic stem cells, they are not used to treat patients.

This type of research has not provided any therapies for patients. To learn about the therapies accessible to Missourians now, click here.

Where are embryonic stem cells found?

Embryonic stem cells (ES cells) come from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst (young embryo). These are the cells that develop into all of the different tissues of the body.

What is an embryo?

An embryo is a young human at an early stage of development. After an egg is fertilized, a zygote is formed. The zygote is the earliest form of the embryo. Over time the zygote grows and continues to develop by cell division. After about five days the young embryo has about 200 cells and is called a blastocyst. The blastocyst continues to develop into an embryo, fetus, and infant.

Traditionally, this process takes place with natural or assisted sexual reproduction (in vitro fertilization). Today, SCNT presents another possible way of creating life. SCNT alters the nucleus-filled egg to mimic fertilization and a human zygote is formed. Biologically, there is no difference between a zygote created by sexual reproduction (fertilization) and one created by SCNT. Once the zygote is formed, the cloned individual begins the same process of development that we all experience.

What is wrong with taking stem cells from an embryo?

In order for stem cells to be harvested from an embryo, the embryo is destroyed. A human embryo is the earliest stage of human life so to destroy an embryo is to destroy a young human life. We believe that all human life should be respected and protected, even the weakest and most vulnerable among us.

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