Scientists have developed a “human embryo” in the lab using stem cells that spontaneously organized into an embryo-like structure. This model mimics the molecular characteristics of an early embryo, containing different types of cells crucial for fetal development, including those providing nutrients and forming structures like the placenta and umbilical cord. This breakthrough is significant for understanding genetic disorders and improving In Vitro Fertilization success rates. However, these lab-grown embryos are typically destroyed after 14 days, a critical period in development when embryos naturally finish implantation and transition towards bilateral symmetry. This advancement allows for gene manipulation and testing in a controlled environment.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Stem Cells: Early cells with the potential to differentiate into various cell types, playing a crucial role in embryonic development and tissue regeneration.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): An assisted reproductive technology where an egg and sperm are combined outside the body, often used to treat infertility.
- Genetic Disorders: Conditions caused by abnormalities or mutations in an individual’s DNA, which can lead to health problems or birth defects.
- Primitive Streak: A linear structure that appears in the embryo, marking the transition from radial symmetry (like an egg) to bilateral symmetry (as seen in humans with left and right sides).
- Bilateral Symmetry: A body plan with two similar, mirrored halves on each side, characteristic of most animals, including humans, as opposed to radial symmetry found in some simpler organisms.