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What is a stem cell?
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Quick answer
A stem cell is an unspecialized cell that can both copy itself and develop into many different cell types. This makes stem cells the body's raw material for growth and repair — and a powerful tool in modern medicine. They can renew themselves and turn into specialized cells like muscle or nerve.
Key things to understand
- They can renew themselves and turn into specialized cells like muscle or nerve.
- Embryonic stem cells can become almost any cell type.
- Adult stem cells maintain and repair specific tissues, like blood or skin.
- They already treat conditions through bone-marrow transplants.
- Researchers can now reprogram ordinary cells back into stem-like cells.
People also ask
What makes stem cells special?
Unlike ordinary cells, they can both multiply and transform into different specialized cell types, fueling growth and repair.
What are stem cells used for in medicine?
Established uses include bone-marrow transplants for blood cancers; research targets repairing organs, nerves, and tissues.
What are induced stem cells?
Ordinary adult cells reprogrammed back into a stem-like state, which avoids the ethical issues of embryonic ones.
What are stem cells used for?
Treating some blood and immune diseases today, and researched for repairing tissue and treating many conditions.
What's the difference between embryonic and adult stem cells?
Embryonic can become any cell type; adult stem cells are more limited to certain types.