Embryonic Germ CellsHuman embryonic germ cells are derived from the gonadal ridge at 6 to 9 weeks of gestation when the embryo is developing into a fetus. These embryonic germ cells eventually develop into eggs and sperm. While embryonic germ cells are similar to embryonic stem cells in being able to develop into any cell types, they are different in the way they grow in the laboratory. Embryonic stem cell cultures have been grown for over 2 years in the laboratory as immortal cell lines, but embryonic germ cell cultures can only survive for up to 70 to 80 cell divisions. This makes them less suitable for establishing cell lines for research because they are not immortal. One advantage of embryonic germ cells is that, unlike embryonic stem cells they do not appear to generate tumours when transferred into the body. This potentially may make them useful as a source of transplant tissue and for cell-based therapies. One of the greatest issues facing researchers is that embryonic germ cells are derived at a later stage of gestation from terminated pregnancies.
|
|||||
More InformationHave a question you couldn’t find the answer too? Look at our FAQ, or send us an enquiry. |
David Trewern Design