Stem Cells

Define Stem Cell

Undifferentiated cell that has the ability to develop into different cell types and can self-renew through cell division.

Define cell self-Renewal

The ability of a stem cell to copy itself, maintaining the stem cell pool.

Explain Differentiation (in stem cells)

The process by which a stem cell specializes into a specific type of cell (e.g., muscle cell, nerve cell) and replaces dead or damaged cells.

What are Totipotent Stem Cells

Stem cells that can divide into all cell types in an organism, having the potential to create an entire, complete organism. (Toti= whole, potent = ability to differentiate)

What are Pluripotent Stem Cells

Stem cells that can differentiate into all possible types of specialized cells in the body (but not a whole organism); found in embryonic stem cells.

What are Multipotent Stem Cells

Stem cells that can only change into some cells in the body, not any cell. Develop into multiple specialised cell types present in a specific tissue or organ.

What are Unipotent Stem Cells

Stem cells that can only make one type of cell; example: epidermal stem cells.

What are Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells

Pluripotent stem cells found in the inner cell mass of a blastocyst which can supply new cells for an embryo as it grows.

What are Tissue/Adult Stem Cells

Multipotent stem cells that supply new cells as an organism grows and to replace cells that get damaged; found in bone marrow.

What are Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS cells)

Stem cells that scientists make in the laboratory by reprogramming normal adult cells to become pluripotent stem cells, behaving like embryonic stem cells.

Define Blastocyst

A very early embryo containing the inner cell mass from which embryonic stem cells are derived.

Define Inner Cell Mass

The cells inside the blastocyst from which embryonic stem cells are taken.

Define Epidermal Stem Cells

Unipotent stem cells found deep under the first layer of skin that renew and differentiate to replace older skin.