Stem cells

What Are Stem Cells

By
StemCellMalaysia.com

Stem Cells Definition
Stem cells can be defined simply
as cells which are not specialized
in any specific tissue or organs.
In other words, stem cells have
not differentiated into other cell
types to form tissues and organs.
They are the base or foundational cells to develop into cells
which specialized in certain functions.
Another distinguishing characteristics of stem cells is their
ability to undergo division, giving rise to more stem cells.

This is known scientifically as the
ability to self-regenerate.
The way stem cells self-
regenerate is to divide and
produce two stem cells with the
exact characteristics.
This is what happens initially.
As they undergo further self-regeneration, they soon produce
one stem cell and one cell which has more differentiation or
specialization.

The significance of stem cells in
their application to the human
body and human health boils
down to the two important
characteristics of differentiation
and self-regeneration.
Imagine how powerful they can be if stems cells can be
developed into heart cells, especially when someone’s heart
is doomed to fail.


Or, for someone with damaged
brain cells or nerve cells,
wouldn’t it be extremely great
news if stem cells can develop
new brain cells or nerve cells for
the person.
Indeed, the potential and possibilities of exploiting stem cells
for medical science and health science are enormous.
Many untreatable diseases and ailments may in the near
future become curable.

Types of Stem Cells

Stem cells are classified into
various types based on their
ability to undergo differentiation
into different cell types.

In other words, their classification, and hence their name, is
derived from their potential to develop into one, two or
several other cell types.


Types of Stem Cells

For example, oligopotent stem
cells can divide and produce 5
types of blood cells, including
monocytes and macrophages.

Totipotent stem cells have the ability to differentiate
themselves into all cell types.
Pleuripotent stem cell is able to develop into all cell types,
except cells of the embryonic membranes.

Types of Stem Cells
Scientists have identified the
various stem cells so that
targeted research can be
performed to discover specific
applications to the human health
and disease treatments.
Understanding the specific types of stem cells will help
applying the right type of stem cells to the appropriate
condition or illness.


Stem Cells In Human Development
The best way to understand
stem cells is probably by looking
at ourselves.
You and I are formed from stem
cells.
The first stem cell that appears before a fetus develops is
known as zygote.
When a sperm cell penetrates an egg cell from the mother, a
zygote is formed which contains all the genetic information
required to develop a human being.


In a way, the zygote is the
superior stem cell, having the
ability to divide and develop into
all cell types.

From the zygote, a who;e pool or mass of different stem cells
are formed, providing the fetus the necessary stem cells to
develop various parts of the human body.


Once we understand how the
master stem cell, the zygote,
enables the development of a
human being, it is not too difficult
to imagine the potential to
exploit stem cells for the
regeneration of damaged organs
or tissues in an adult.
The question lies in whether we can exploit the ability of
stem cell for whatever treatment objectives we wish to
accomplish.

Thank You.
For the rest of the ‘Stem Cells’ article please visit

Stem Cell Malaysia

At

Stem cells

More Related Content

What's hot

Viewers also liked

Similar to Stem cells

Stem cells