| Author: cv ryn 06 Jul 2008 | Member Level: Silver | Rating:  Points: 6 |
Stem cells are cells found in most, if not all, multi-cellular organisms. They are characterized by the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and differentiating into a diverse range of specialized cell types. Research in the stem cell field grew out of findings by Canadian scientists Ernest A. McCulloch and James E. Till in the 1960s.[1][2] The two broad types of mammalian stem cells are: embryonic stem cells that are found in 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 a repair system for the body, replenishing specialized cells, but also maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin or intestinal tissues.
As stem cells can be grown and transformed into specialized cells with characteristics consistent with cells of various tissues such as muscles or nerves through cell culture, their use in medical therapies has been proposed. In particular, embryonic cell lines, autologous embryonic stem cells generated through therapeutic cloning, and highly plastic adult stem cells from the umbilical cord blood or bone marrow are touted as promising candidates
|
| Author: Syed 06 Jul 2008 | Member Level: Diamond | Rating: Points: 6 |
Here is a link from wikipedia, and a interesting thing i have read,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_cell
Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. Serving as a sort of repair system for the body, they can theoretically divide without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell
A complete Link regarding Stem Cells,
http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/
Regards ,
Syed
|
| Author: ranganathan 06 Jul 2008 | Member Level: Gold | Rating: Points: 5 |
Yes you are right cv ryn ,
There are two types of stem cells
1. embryonic stem cell
2. adult stem cell
The embryonic stem cell had the capability to reproduce any organ in our human body
researchers had succeeded in growing many different parts of human organs .
Using these embryonic stem cells one can produce even heart. Therefore no need of any kind of heart surgery this simplifies the most complex heart surgery.
The embryonic stemcells are available in new born baby embryo
|
| Author: neyha 07 Jul 2008 | Member Level: Diamond | Rating: Points: 1 |
I did a project on stem cells for my board exams if you are interested i can post them.
|