2.1.11

Disadvantages of Stem Cells

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Disadvantages of Stem Cells

Using stem cells in medical treatment can have some downsides:

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Viral infections

  • Stem cell transplantation could transfer viral infections.
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Ethical beliefs

  • Some people disagree with the use of stem cells on ethical or religious grounds:
    • They believe that life begins at conception, which means that the embryo is alive.
    • They therefore view the use of embryonic stem cells as 'killing' an embryo.
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Rejection

  • As with other organ transplants, introducing stem cells into a patient could cause the patient's immune system to reject and destroy the new cells.

Jump to other topics

1The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3Organism Functions

3.1Respiration

3.2Gas Exchange

3.3Transport

3.4Excretion

3.5Coordination & Response

4Reproduction & Inheritance

5Ecology

6Biological Resources

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