ADULT Stem Cells
EMBRYONIC Stem Cells
Derived from human tissues or organs.
Acquisition of Cells
Derived from oocytes (ovum).
Relatively limited.
Proliferation & Differentiation Abilities
Can multiply indefinitely can differentiate into all cell types.
Differentiation into all cells
Virtually none.
Enthusiastic utilization is possible.
Ethical Issues
Due to the fact that embryos are life in themselves, there are serious ethical concerns that make their utilization difficult.