Embryonic stem cells differentiate into various tissues. Research suggests that it may be possible to replicate stem cells from the skin of adult mice, rather than having to use stem cells from mouse embryos.
In the future, human stem cells may be used to replace human tissue damaged by diseases such as
Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Why might the use of adult stem cells taken from a patient to replace his or her own damaged tissues
decrease the potential risk to a patient?
a. Retrieving donor stem cells from human embryos is difficult and controversial.
b. Stem cells taken from a donor and implanted into a patient can be rejected by the patient's
immune system.
Stem cells may not be able to differentiate into the correct cells and tissues needed for the patient.
d. Stem cells from a patient are less likely to be accepted by the patient's own immune system.