Usage Of Stem Cells: Body’s Natural Reservoir

Name Institutional Affiliation Course Code/Title Instructor Date Usage of Stem Cells Cells in the human body are meant to perform particular functions although stem cells do not fall into this category. Stem cells have no predefined purpose, but are the body’s natural reservoir. Their primary role is to replenish stocks of specialized cells that are depleted or damaged. They are unspecialized, but after a while, that is after development, they turn into specialized cells. Through mitotic cell division, they are able to renew themselves and differentiate into a range of specialized cell types. Since their early development stages, humans develop stem cells up to the end of their life. In essence, stem cells are central to the development, growth, maintenance, and repair of the skin, blood, nerves, muscles, and the brain (Mahla 1). The use of stem cells in the contemporary healthcare is phenomenal as they are used in skin replacement, treatment for Parkinson’s disease, and in drug discovery and development, although the destruction of embryonic stem cells continue to spark theological and philosophical debates. Knowledge on stem has made it possible for skin replacement. In the process, dermatologists are competent to grow skin from a patient’s plucked hair. The science behind this is hair follicles contain skin stem cell and therefore, the cells can be removed when hair is plucked (Kalra & Tomar 923). Moreover, they can modelled to form an epidermal equivalent of the patient’s own skin. The result is a tissue for an autologous graft and thus, chances of rejection are rare. While skin is the largest organ in the human body, it remains exposed to the adverse consequences of burns. This organ is a mechanical barrier against the external environment and is also central to the retention of fluids and moisture. The loss of this protective layer could result in infection and rapid evaporative losses. Stem cell therapy serves to reestablish the normal skin function, reduce scar formation, and general skin repair and regeneration. Parkinson’s disease are a cause for concern because of the progressive nervous breakdown and retrogressive nature of movement. People have either stifled or slowed movements. On the other hand, stem cells come in handy when searching for the treatment of this condition. In this regard, stem cells are a good source of dopamine neurons that can be transplanted into patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease (Freed 1755). Patients with this condition lack cells that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. Experiments related to this process have indicated success in the release of dopamine from the transplanted cells. On the other hand, scientists have a greater job to do as those receiving stem cell therapy develop significant side effects, which could be as a result of too much dopamine or over sensitization. Even then, the success of the project is of greater significance. Stem cell research is central...