Bioethics in Scientific Research and
Technology Paper
Tejvir Sohi
AP Biology
Period 2 st December 1 2014
Sohi
Tejvir Sohi
Mrs. McCoy
AP Biology
29 November 2014
Bioethics In Scientific Research and Technology
In the field of science, bioethics is a very important subject. Before any experiment or research, scientists must ask themselves if what they are doing is morally correct. The word bioethics is defined as moral principles that govern medical and biological research. The study of the ways in which decisions in medicine and science touch upon our health and lives and upon our society and environment are all part of bioethics. Throughout this essay, the topics of stem cells and genetic testing on humans will be addressed, along with all the bioethical issues they encompass.
Stem cells are cells that have no specific function or purpose. These cells are able to develop into any cell of the body, including skin, brain, muscle, and many other types of cells. There are two types of stem cells produced in our body: embryonic cells that form during embryo development, and adult (somatic) stem cells produced throughout our lives to replace other cells. There are few people who are opposed to adult stem cell research because adult stem cells can be safely extracted from people without risking death. Thus, there are few governmental limitations and laws prohibiting the use of adult stem cells for research purposes. While this type is safe, embryonic stem cells are more versatile and durable but can only be obtained from living human embryos. The extraction and use of these cells can often result in the tragic destruction
Sohi
of the embryo itself. There are many people who proclaim that since the embryo is a human, it is protected by law and no one
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