Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the unique ability to develop into various types of specialized cells within the body. They are characterized by two main properties:
Self-renewal: Stem cells can divide and produce identical copies of themselves, maintaining a pool of undifferentiated stem cells.
Pluripotency or multipotency: Stem cells can differentiate into more specialized cell types. The extent of their differentiation potential varies among different types of stem cells.
Stem cells differ from other types of cells in the following ways:
Undifferentiated Nature: Unlike specialized cells (e.g., muscle cells, nerve cells), stem cells are not committed to a specific function. They are in an undifferentiated state.
Regenerative Capacity: Stem cells play a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration. When specialized cells are damaged or die, stem cells can replace them.
Versatility: Stem cells can give rise to a variety of cell types, depending on their type and location in the body. For instance, embryonic stem cells have the potential to differentiate into virtually any cell type, while adult stem cells are more limited in their differentiation potential.
Source: Stem cells can be found in various locations, including embryos (embryonic stem cells), specific tissues in adults (adult or somatic stem cells), and can even be reprogrammed from adult cells to create induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Understanding these differences and the unique properties of stem cells is essential for their various applications in research and regenerative medicine.