WARM UP #7 IS DUE BEFORE 9:30 AM WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2001

Please type your Student ID Number: (Important!)
Please type your LAST name, and FIRST initial or first name:
Please type in a 'nickname': (In case your answer is used in class)

The following three questions refer to web notes you were to read in preparation for class. These questions require you to write a three or four sentence response. It is OK to answer 'I don't know' - but STATE WHY you are confused! (Don't just say 'I don't know' - you probably DO!) Each WarmUp worth 6 points if answered on time and must be submitted via the web.

Warm Up 1 responses,Warm Up 2 responses,Warm Up 3 responses, Warm Up 4 responses, Warm Up 5 responses, Warm Up 6 responses, Warm Up 7 responses, Warm Up 8 responses, Warm Up 9 responses, Warm Up 10 responses, Warm Up 11 responses, Warm Up 12 responses, Warm Up 13 responses, Warm Up 14 responses.

QUESTION 1: Where do Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hES cells) come from? What are some of the ethical implications of using hES cells for medical research?

QUESTION 2: hES cells can form virtually every tissue in the body - skin, muscles, nervous system tissue, etc. How do you think scientists control the types of tissues that they are interested in using for research?

QUESTION 3: hES cells are pleuripotent. What do you think this means? (Look in the web notes). What is NOT known is if human cells are totipotent. What do you think totipotent means and why do you think we do not know whether human cells are totipotent?

QUESTION 4: [Totally optional] There are tremendous benefits to developing hES cells for treatment of diabetes, Alzheimers. etc. In your opinion, do these benefits justify their use in medical research, given that a human blastocyst must be used to obtain the cells?? Remember that only surplus embryos can be used to obtain hES cells. Embryos CANNOT be created for hES cells. (Your answers will be kept confidential!)

You may change your mind as often as you wish. When you are satisfied with your responses click the SUBMIT button. You will receive a "THANK YOU" page as a confirmation that your response has been sent to me.

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