Stem cells are cells found in most, if not all, multicellular organisms. They are characterized by the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and differentiate into a wide range of specialized cell types. Research in the field of stem cells grew out of findings by Canadian scientists Ernest A. McCulloch and James E. in the 1960s.
Stem cells can become any type of human cell. They are valuable as research tools and could, in the future, be used to treat a wide range of diseases.
The two major types of mammalian stem cells are: embryonic stem cells that are isolated from the internal cell mass of blasts and adult stem cells found in adult tissues. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all specialized embryonic tissues. In adult organisms, the progenitor stem cells of the cells act as a repair system for the body and the replacement of specialized cells, they also maintain the normal rotation of regeneration organs, such as blood, skin or intestinal tissues.
Stem cells can be grown and transformed into specialized cells with characteristics compatible with cells from various tissues such as muscles or nerves through cell cultures. Adult stem cells from a variety of sources, including umbilical cord blood and bone marrow, are commonly used in medical treatments. Embryonic cell lines and autologous embryonic stem cells generated by cloning for therapeutic purposes have also been proposed as promising candidates for future therapies.
Authors: Val
