Quote:
Originally Posted by Canada 02
as a scientist, I have a problem with that definiton. Researchers culture human cells all the time. Billions of them in a little petri dish. Every single cell possesses all the necessary DNA required to develop.
I don't know where the line should be drawn. I've heard arguements from some academics (doctors/embryologists/bioethicists) who say when there is a heartbeat; others say much earlier when the primitive streak forms, or the neural tube forms or when the neural tube closes. The line should not be at the one cell stage. There are no human characteristics in a single cell - it is just a bag of chemicals and biomolecules.
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Yes, but those same human cells that are cultured in a petri dish are not the same as zygotes which are continuously undergoing cell division as part of the development of a new and unique individual.
The zygote is already in the process of development and taken within the context of the womb, it is more than just a mix of biochemicals. It is a particular mix that - if left untouched within the womb in its original context - develops into a full human being.
Nonetheless, the debate is one that can never be resolved. For every conception perspective there are hundreds of other definitions. This is just simply the one that resonates most with me.