STEM CELLS

STEM CELLS

Stem cells are how we all begin: undifferentiated cells that go on to develop into any of the more than 200 types of cell the adult human body holds.

Stem cells are cells that have the potential to develop into many different or specialized cell types. Stem cells can be thought of as primitive, "unspecialized" cells that are able to divide and become specialized cells of the body such as liver cells, muscle cells, blood cells, and other cells with specific functions. Stem cells are referred to as "undifferentiated" cells because they have not yet committed to a developmental path that will form a specific tissue or organ. The process of changing into a specific cell type is known as differentiation. In some areas of the body, stem cells divide regularly to renew and repair the existing tissue.

The best and most readily understood example of a stem cell in humans is that of the fertilized egg, or zygote.

Stem Cell Uses

A potential application of stem cells is making cells and tissues for medical therapies. Today, donated organs and tissues are often used to replace those that are diseased or destroyed. Unfortunately, the number of people needing a transplant far exceeds the number of organs available for transplantation.So far, only a few organs have been made and transplanted, and they are relatively simple, hollow ones — like bladders and a windpipe, which was implanted in June 2011. But scientists around the world are using similar techniques with the goal of building more complex organs .Researchers are making use of advances in knowledge of   basic cells that can be transformed into types that are specific to tissues like liver or lung.

Why are stem cells important?

Stem cells represent an exciting area in medicine because of their potential to regenerate and repair damaged tissue. Some current therapies, such as bone marrow transplantation, already make use of stem cells and their potential for regeneration of damaged tissues. Other therapies are under investigation that involves transplanting stem cells into a damaged body part and directing them to grow and differentiate into healthy tissue.

What are the different types of stem cells?

1.Adult stem cells

2.Fetal stem cells

3.Embryonic stem cells

3.Peripheral blood stem cells

4.Umbilical cord stem cells

Tissue engineers caution that the work they are doing is experimental and costly, and that the creation of complex organs is still a long way off. But they are increasingly optimistic about the possibilities.