Stem cell & its potential

摘要

Stem cells are cellular structures found in most multi-cellular organisms. Their job in the body is not yet determined. However, what is known is that every single cell in the body 'stems' from this type of cell. They are capable of maintaining the ability to multiply themselves through mitotic cell division and can differentiate into a diverse range of specialized cell types. There are two broad types of mammalian stem cells: embryonic stem cells that are found in the inner cell mass (ICM) of blastocysts, and adult stem cells that are found in adult tissues. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all of the specialized embryonic tissues. In adult organisms, stem cells and progenitor cells act as repair system for the body, replenishing specialized cells, but also maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin or intestinal tissues, etc.