what is a stem cell
3 answers
A stem cell is an undifferentiated cell in the body that has the ability to divide and differentiate into specialized cell types. These cells can self-renew and generate replacement cells for various tissues and organs in the body. Stem cells are found in various parts of the body, including embryos, fetal tissue, and adult tissues like bone marrow and adipose tissue. They are valuable in medical research and potential therapeutic applications due to their ability to regenerate and repair damaged tissue.
A stem is an undifferentiated cell of a multicellular organism which is capable of giving rise to indefinitely more cells of the same type, and from which certain other kinds of cell arise by differentiation.
what does it mean by 'giving rise' to cells
what does it mean by 'giving rise' to cells
When we say that a stem cell is capable of "giving rise" to cells, it means that these undifferentiated cells have the ability to divide and differentiate into different cell types. This process is known as cell differentiation. Stem cells have the unique ability to generate more stem cells (self-renewal) and also to differentiate into specialized cells of various tissues and organs in the body.
For example, a hematopoietic stem cell found in the bone marrow can give rise to red and white blood cells, platelets, and other types of blood cells. Similarly, neural stem cells can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and other types of cells found in the nervous system.
The capacity of stem cells to give rise to different cell types is what makes them valuable for medical research and potential therapeutic applications.
For example, a hematopoietic stem cell found in the bone marrow can give rise to red and white blood cells, platelets, and other types of blood cells. Similarly, neural stem cells can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and other types of cells found in the nervous system.
The capacity of stem cells to give rise to different cell types is what makes them valuable for medical research and potential therapeutic applications.