Therapeutic cloning involves the use of two separate new technological possibilities. Scientists see enormous research and clinical potential in these two technologies, and especially in their combination . Potential Uses for Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Embryonic stem cell lines have a number of potential applications. They could be used for in vitro studies of human embryogenesis, human gene discovery and drug and teratogen testing. In addition, they could be used as a renewable source of cells for tissue transplantation, cell replacement and gene therapies.
Language has a powerful way of both revealing and concealing reality.
Of course once extracted it is probably true to say that these cells are no longer potential human beings since they lack the capacity to form a placenta. The first signs of the embryo appear as the primitive streak, about 14 days after fertilisation. Embryonic Stem cells will not give rise to an embryo if placed in the uterus.