Stem Cell – Definition


A cell that has the
ability to
continuously divide
and differentiate
(develop) into
various other kind of
cells/tissues
On division, one daughter cell replenishes a whole
compartment, and the other remains fully “stem“.
 Stem Cells
Stem cells are the raw
material from which all of
the body’s mature,
differentiated cells are
made. Stem cells give rise
to brain cells, nerve cells,
heart cells, pancreatic
cells, etc.
 Stem Cell – are Dynamic
 Are undifferentiated
Stem cell
“master” cell that do not
yet have a specific
function

al
 Can change to one or

Di
w
ne

ff
er
e
f-r

e
several different cell types

nt
l
Se

ia
te
(differentiate) under
proper conditions
 Can undergo unlimited Stem cell Specialized cell
cell division, self-renewal) (e.g., white blood cell)
One Cell - Several lineages
Generation of embryonic stem cells
When does Stem Cells arise