Why are embryonic cells useful in medicine?

Answer 1

Embryos have special "blank" cells (e.g. stem cells) which serve no specific purpose, but can transform to become a different cell. As embryos grow and start to develop different body parts, these "blank" cells transform into cells that belong in that body part. These cells are being studied to try to apply them to treating diseases.

For example, Sickle Cell Anemia is where a body produces red blood cells in a crescent shape that don't hold very much oxygen. Research is being done which seeks to use stem cells to replace the defective cells which produce deformed red blood cells. By doing this, scientists hope to cure or reduce the symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia (which can commonly be fatal).

Answer 2

Embryonic cells are useful in medicine because they have the potential to develop into any type of cell in the body. This versatility makes them valuable for research and regenerative medicine applications, such as developing new treatments for diseases or injuries. Additionally, studying embryonic cells can provide insights into the early stages of development and disease processes.