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2.3 Stem Cells

Stems cells: cells that are capable of either differentiating into specialised cells or producing more stem cells.

Embryonic stem cells:

They are found in blastocysts (very early stage embryos). They can differentiate into all possible types of specialised cell (pluripotent).

Adult stem cells:

They are found in the developing foetus and onwards. They can only differentiate into certain types of specialised cell (multipotent). They are found specifically in:

  • Surface of the eye

  • Brain

  • Skin

  • Breasts

  • Testicles

  • Gut/intestines

  • Muscles

  • Bone marrow

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2.3 Stem Cells

Stems cells: cells that are capable of either differentiating into specialised cells or producing more stem cells.

Embryonic stem cells:

They are found in blastocysts (very early stage embryos). They can differentiate into all possible types of specialised cell (pluripotent).

Adult stem cells:

They are found in the developing foetus and onwards. They can only differentiate into certain types of specialised cell (multipotent). They are found specifically in:

  • Surface of the eye

  • Brain

  • Skin

  • Breasts

  • Testicles

  • Gut/intestines

  • Muscles

  • Bone marrow