Terms Terms Terms

What exactly is stem cell research? I couldn't very well answer this question without using numerous scientific terms, which in turn require their own definitions to be completely understood. Therefore, I will define the two most important terms in stem cell research - embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are the 50-150 cells of the human embryo about 5 days after fertilization - commonly called a blastocysts. Embryonic stem cells are able to differentiate into every type of cell needed, which makes them ideal for research. However the use of embryonic stem cells requires the destruction of the embryo. Adult stem cells, on the otherhand, cannot differentiate into every cell type, but they regenerate the cells from where it was taken. Possibly these cells can reproduce the entire organ from just a few cells.