In the course of further specialization, stem cells of individual tissues are formed, such as that of bone marrow, from which all the other kinds of blood cells develop.".
Totipotent simply means that the cell's potential is total, which implies that the cell can develop into a fetus. Pluripotent means that the cell can become many types of cells but not all types that are necessary for the development of a fetus. These cells would not form a fetus when placed in a woman's uterus. These pluripotent cells become specialized into stem cells that later become specific cells with specific functions. Dr. Lillge believes that this thinking implies that stem cells are completely limited to specific functions. However, it has become apparent that stem cells are capable to take on cell functions of new tissues. .
According to recent animal research, stem cells have been found to adapt to new tissues and its functions. Essentially, stem cells seem to have the capability to be "reprogrammed." Also, the cells seem to be able to regress to earlier levels of development with the possibility of becoming totipotent once again. To simplify the medical language into laymen's terms, stem cells, with further research, have the potential to be formed into specific cells needed to help cure diseases such as Parkinson's disease and diabetes along with numerous other possible benefits. Researchers are still trying to determine what makes a stem cell form into a specific body part and whether spare body parts created by this research would be rejected or accepted by a patient's immune system. However, these questions may never have the chance to be answered due to incredible controversy surrounding this issue. .
The controversial aspect of stem cell research lies in the method of obtaining the stem cells. Stem cells are extracted from either aborted fetuses or spare embryos from fertility clinics. Many religious and anti-abortion groups are protesting federal funding of stem cell research.
