1
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on
Form S-8 pertaining to the 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (No. 333-12487);
the Amended 1992 Stock Option Plan (No. 333-81181); the Amended 1996 Directors
Stock Option Plan and the Amended 1992 Stock Option Plan (No. 333-93527) and
Form S-3 (Nos. 333-70355, 333-51013, 333-821155, 333-88705, 333-89861,
333-89981, 333-88705 and 333-96221) and in the related prospectuses of Geron
Corporation of our report dated February 11, 2000, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Geron Corporation included in the Annual
Report (Form 10-K/A) for the year ended December 31, 1999.


                                       /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


San Jose, California
March 17, 2000