Over the past decade, genetic engineering has advanced into one of the most important branches of science. Thousands of hours of research have been spent studying and manipulating the DNA of cells to benefit human life. A few years ago, the main topic of discussion about genetics was cloning. However, the new topic surfacing is the use of stem cells.
             A stem cell is a cell that is not programmed to perform a specific duty. It is a general cell that matures before it is classified and becomes a specialized cell. Since stem cells are general they can easily be manipulated into any kind of cell that a scientist wants it to be. This means that scientists could create tissues to replace damaged tissue in a person. People with ailments such as heart disease could receive new cardiac tissue that is healthy. Stem cells could also be used to help diseases. A person with diabetes might be able to create their own insulin with the placement of new pancreatic tissue. These are just two of the potential abilities of stem cells. However, obtaining these stem cells has become a task that has stirred up questions about the necessity of them. There are two major types of stem cells: embryonic and adult. Each type of stem cell has positive and negative aspects to their use.
             The first type of stem cell is the embryonic stem cell. "They are derived from embryos that are less than a week old. These undifferentiated cells are then cultured, where they divide for an indefinite period" (The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. "Embryonic Stem Cells" pg.10). They can then provide an unlimited supply of specific cells that are needed for adult life, such as bone, muscle, or nerve cells. The embryonic stem cells are good because they can become any type of cell and they can divide for an unlimited time. However, many debates have arisen because during the extracting of the s
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