What is an embryonic stem cell?
Embryonic stem cells are derived from the cells that make up the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. Both mouse and human embryonic stem cell lines exist. Mouse embryonic stem cells are capable of generating any and all cells in the body, under the right conditions. Therefore, they are said to be pluripotent and have unlimited potential as far as growth and differentiation. The cells divide continuously in tissue culture dishes in an incubator, but at the same time maintain the ability to generate any cell type when placed into the correct environment to cause their differentiation.
Embryonic stem cells are those grown from the cells that make up the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. Embryonic stem cells have been derived from a variety of animals, including human, and are described as ‘pluripotent’- that is, they are capable of generating any and all cells in the body under the right conditions.
Embryonic stem cells come from the “inner cell mass” of a group of cells called a blastocyst. The blastocyst is an early stage of development known as the “zygote” that occurs within the first 4-6 days after fertilization. Once the “inner cell mass” or embryonic stem cells are removed from the blastocyst, the cells may be kept alive in a petri dish under specific laboratory conditions. Such cells are multi-potent meaning they may become any cell in the body.
Embryonic stem cells exist only at the earliest stages of embryonic development and are capable of making any cell type in the body. Under the right conditions, these cells retain the ability to divide and make copies of themselves indefinitely. Scientists are beginning to understand how to make these cells develop into any of the more than 200 different types of cells in the human body.
