Therapeutic Cloning: Why Use Adult Stem Cells?

Which of the following reasons explains cells in therapeutic cloning rather than embryonic stem cells?

A possible advantage of using adult stem cells:
  • Adult stem cells have a longer lifespan in culture than embryonic stem cells, and would persist for a longer time in the patient's body.
  • Adult stem cells are less likely to be rejected by the patient's body. Embryonic stem cells can only produce a few cell types while adult stem cells can produce any type of cell.
  • The use of adult stem cells is less controversial than the use of embryonic stem cells.
  • Unlike adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells may stop dividing within the patient's body.
Final answer:

Therapeutic cloning uses adult stem cells, which have a longer lifespan and are less likely to be rejected than embryonic stem cells. Adult stem cells also have the ability to differentiate into any type of cell in the body, unlike embryonic stem cells.

Explanation:

Therapeutic cloning involves the use of cells that are derived from the patient's own body, known as adult stem cells, while embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos. There are several reasons why cells from therapeutic cloning might be preferred over embryonic stem cells:

  • Adult stem cells have a longer lifespan in culture than embryonic stem cells, meaning they can be grown and maintained for longer periods of time.
  • Adult stem cells are less likely to be rejected by the patient's body because they come from the patient's own tissues, reducing the risk of immune rejection.
  • Unlike embryonic stem cells, which are limited in the types of cells they can produce, adult stem cells have the ability to differentiate into any type of cell in the body.
Which of the following reasons explains cells in therapeutic cloning rather than embryonic stem cells? Therapeutic cloning uses adult stem cells because they have a longer lifespan, are less likely to be rejected, and can differentiate into any type of cell in the body.
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