Potential Applications of Embryonic Stem

Cells to Biotechnology and Medicine

Developmental biologist James Thomson in his Primate Research Center lab with a computer image of stem cell neurons at right.

Photo by: Jeff Miller Date: 4/99

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are potentially immortal cell lines that can grow in an undifferentiated state, but still retain the ability to give rise to precursor cells to all of the different human cell types.

about 4 days after fertilization

Blastocyst

Fertilized egg

Cleavage----> Morula (16 cells)

http://www.visembryo.com/baby/index.html

My referenceand source of pictures:

Trophoblast

Inner Cell Mass

In the mouse, at least 3, but in any case, veryfew of the inner mass cells go on to form the embryo.

Three Germ Layers

Endoderm: tongue, tonsils, lining of lungs, digestive tract, urethra, bladder.

Mesoderm: muscles, bone, lymphatic tissue, spleen, blood cells, heart, lungs, reproductive and excretory systems.

Ectoderm: skin, nails, lens of eye, lining of nose, sinuses, pituitary glands, mammary glands, all parts of the nervous system.

Source of cells and tissue that could be used for transplantation

Research tool for understanding the complex events that occur during normal human development

Use to develop and test new drugs

Scientific and Medical Benefits

Legal Issues

Federal law currently prohibits government funding of human embryo research.