- Why are embryonic stem cells used for research more often than adult stem cells?
Because embryonic stem cells are easier to extract than adult stem cells and some scientists claim that they are easier to change into the type of cell needed.
- Why do scientists think that stem cells could help cure medical conditions like cancer?
Because stem cells can be used to grow new healthy cells to replace cells that have become damaged or faulty and also some experimental treatments have successfully been used on humans.
- Why are so many people against stem cell research?
Some people believe that life starts at the moment of conception (fertilisation), so the fertilised cell should have the same status as a human being.
For those who believe that life begins at conception, the destroyed embryos could potentially have been a human being, so the destruction of the embryo is no different than the destruction of a human life.
5. Science – some tough decisions
Aims: Discuss the scientific basis of laws regarding the termination of pregnancy.
And to discuss the use of growth factor to enhance performance in sport.
- What is meant by a viable foetus?
A foetus that can survive outside the womb.
- Why is a 40 week old foetus more viable than a 24 –week old foetus?
Because a foetus at 24 weeks has air sacs forming in its lungs, and its eyes are developed. But a 40 week foetus is far more developed regarding its lungs and nervous system, so it is more mature and has a higher chance of survival as it is more developed than a 24 week old foetus.
- Explain how scientific evidence can be useful to people who make laws about the termination of pregnancy.
Well, they can find out at what stage/weeks the foetus become viable, so that abortion can be made as humane as possible.
- What advantages does taking anabolic steroids give to an athlete?
It enhances their performance. Steroids work by increasing muscle growth.
- What are the health risks of taking anabolic steroids?
Well, steroids can have many dangerous side effects some of these include:
-liver failure
-facial hair growth in women
-the deepening of the voice in women
-impotence (the inability to produce offspring) and the development of breasts in men.
- Why are these substances banned in sport?
Because they give the athletes an unfair advantage over others, as they are no longer just relying on their natural physical ability.
