Stem Cell

Stem cells are cells that can differentiate into other types of cells and can divide to produce more of the same type of stem cells. They are found in multicellular organisms. In mammals, there are two broad types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells, which are isolated from the inner cell mass of blastocysts, and adult stem cells, which are found in various tissues. In adult organisms, stem cells and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing adult tissues.

Types of stem cells

There are three types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells.

Embryonic stem cells

Embryonic stem cells come from a blastocyst that is 3-5 days old. When they are in the blastocyst stage, these stem cells can become any type of body cell.

Adult stem cells

Adult stem cells are found in small numbers in most adult tissues, such as bone marrow or fat. They have a more limited ability to become different cells in the body.

Induced pluripotent stem cells

Induced pluripotent stem cells are cells that have been engineered in the lab by converting tissue-specific cells, such as skin cells, into cells that behave like embryonic stem cells.

Uses of stem cells

Stem cells have many uses in science and medicine. They can be used to study development by helping scientists to understand how a complex organism develops from a fertilized egg. In medicine, they are used in regenerative therapies, such as bone marrow transplantation.

See also

• Cell potency
• Stem cell treatments
• Stem cell controversy
• Stem cell laws and policy

Stem Cell Resources
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