Worksheet 2 (สื่อประกอบชิ้นที่ 4 คาบที่ 10)

Directions: Matching the headings with each paragraph.

a. Use of Stem Cells

b. The Controversy
c. Importance of Stem Cell
Stem Cell Research
1_________________________________________

One of the most controversial debates in the scientific community concerns stem
cell research from embryos. What are stem cells and why are they so important?
Embryonic stem cell research is believed to hold the key for better treatments and
possible cures for some serious illnesses. Stem cells are primitive cells, and they have
the ability to change into many different types of cells. There are over 300 distinct types
of cells in the human body, but stem cells are the only types that can be grown into
other kinds of cells. This is very useful for scientists and doctors. They hope to grow
stem cells to regrow damaged tissue or treat injuries. Using mice, scientists have
successfully cured Parkinson’s disease, damaged nerve tissue, and even diabetes. Now
the challenge is to do the same with human.

2.______________________________________

For example, when a person is in a serious fire, they will likely have very bad
burns. Their skin will be scarred for the rest of their life. Using stem cells, scientists think
they can grow new healthy skin cells. Then they could transplant this new skin onto the
burn victim. If there is damage to a person’s lover from heavy alcohol use, new liver
cells could be grown.
 3.______________________________________

In order to obtain enough cells from embryos, scientists often get them from
fertility clinics. These are medical clinics that help women become pregnant. Sometimes,
embryos are thrown in the garbage by the clinic. The embryos can be used in research
laboratories. But these embryos (usually 4-5 days old) need to be killed to access the
stem cells inside. This bothers many people. Some people with strong Christian beliefs
have been very outspoken against stem cell research. They argue that a single embryonic
stem cell is the most basic form of human life. It is like ending the life of human being.
Due to this controversial ethical issue, in 2001, the .US. government banned giving
federal research funding to scientists conducting embryonic stem cell research. If
scientists can find another way to get stem cells (other than by killing the embryos) they
might be able to cure many of the diseases today.