STEM CELLS
Stem cells are unspecialized cells which are characterized by the ability to renew themselves through mitotic divisions. Under certain conditions they are able to differentiate into a diverse range of specialized cell types in order to form tissues and organs.
- Stem cells are unspecialized cells.
When a stem cell is divided, each new cell has the potential to remain a stem cell with no particular role in contrast to the cells such as the red blood cell that transfers oxygen to the muscles or a muscle cell that induces movement. - Stem cells have the ability to self-renew.
In contrast with the specialized cells which do not have the ability to renew themselves and repair themselves in case of damage, stem cells can multiply and renew themselves. - Stem cells are able to differentiate into a range of specialized cell types.
Under certain physiological or experimental conditions, they can be induced to become tissue or organ-specific cells with special functions such as muscle cells, neurons, cardiac cells, etc. This stem cell ability is known as plasticity.
