Embryonic stem cells

• what is an embryonic stem cell?

  an unspecialised cell that can specialise to become any cell type
• when is an embryonic stem cell formed?

  when a sperm cell fertilises an egg cell
• zygote = a ball of embryonic stem cells
• an advantage to embryonic stem cells?

  • can specialise to become any cell type
• what are disadvantages to embryonic stem cells?

  • cells are not your own so could be rejected -> immunosuppressant drugs for the rest of your life
  • taken from an embryo -> destroying a potential life
• what is an ethical issue of embryonic stem cells?

  taken from an embryo -> destroying a potential life