What are stem cells?
Stem cells are special cells with a unique growth characteristic. They can make identical copies of themselves, as well as grow into more specialised cell types. For example, blood stem cells found in the bone marrow can generate both red blood cells that can carry oxygen and white blood cells that can fight infection. Blood stem cells in the body continue the supply of blood cells for the life of a person.
Stem cells are found in practically all multi-cellular organisms. Their defining characteristic is that they are able to renew themselves, usually through a process of mitotic cell division. Besides having the ability to renew themselves, stem cells also have the amazing ability to become one of a wide variety of specialized cell types. Outside of nature, these cells can be grown in the laboratory from simple cell cultures, but in most cases they can be difficult to extract for use. Stem cells today are usually generated through therapeutic cloning of stem cells found in either umbilical cord blood or bone marrow.
Stem cells are the foundation cells for every organ, tissue and cell in the body. They are like a blank microchip that can ultimately be programmed to perform particular tasks. Stem cells are undifferentiated or “blank” cells that have not yet fully specialized. Under proper conditions, stem cells begin to develop into specialized tissues and organs. Additionally, stem cells can self-renew, that is they can divide and give rise to more stem cells.
Stem cells are the foundation cells for every organ, tissue and cell in the body. They are like a blank microchip that can ultimately be programmed to perform any number of specialized tasks. Stem cells are undifferentiated, “blank” cells that do not yet have a specific function. Under proper conditions, stem cells begin to develop into specialized tissues and organs. Additionally, stem cells are self-sustaining and can replicate themselves for long periods of time.