Advanced Health

The Least You Need to Know Issue 9

Name: ______________________

Controversial Issues

Topic: Stem Cells

These questions represent some of the most basic information and questions to consider in forming an educated opinion on this particular controversial issue. Part of your total grade for the controversial issue will come from these questions and they also represent potential questions that will make up your final exam. You may put your answers on this sheet or another sheet, if you do so please number them.
1. What are stem cells and why are they important? (Honors: Provide two characteristics of stem cells that distinguish them from other cells).

2. What is differentiation? (Honors: What is the difference between high and low frequency?)

3. What are the two main types of stem cells? (Honors: What are the key differences between the two)?

4. What is the major controversy surrounding embryonic stem cells? (Honors: Where do embryonic stem cells used for research come from? Discuss the basic process.).

5. When does life begin in your opinion? (Honors: Draw a continuum labeling and defining at least three philosophies to this question).

6. What are induced pluripotent stem cells and what are their main benefits? What are their limitations? (Honors: Provide research within the past year on whether or not these lines of cells are offering the potential to solve the debate?)

7. What are some potential diseases that stem cells show promise in facilitating? (Honors: What are the limitations to stem cells as of now).

8. How is this an issue split down party lines and provide the explanation as to what convictions dictate their stance? (Honors: Provide the impact of this on funding of research. Provide a brief overview of funding over the Obama vs. Bush Administrations).

9. Provide three questions or points of clarification you still have regarding this topic.