Embryonic stem cells

• they can be found in early human embryos
• they can differentiate into any type of specialised cell in the body e.g. nerve cell, muscle cell
• ADVANTAGES:

  • can treat wide range of diseases due to forming any specialised cell
  • may be possible to grow whole replacement organs
  • no donor needed - obtained from spare embryos from fertility clinics
• DISADVANTAGES:

  • ethical issues - embryos are destroyed - they are potential human life
  • risk of transferring viral infections to the patients
  • newer treatment - undersearched - noy yet clear if they can cure as many diseases