Stem cells

1. Differ in the number and type of differentiated cells types they can become

2. They are mother cells that have the potential to become any type of cells.

3. Characteristics

3.1. 1. Able to self-renew

3.2. 2.Able to become any cell type.

3.2.1. such as blood, skin, brain, muscles, etc.

4. Capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods; and they can give rise to specialized cell types

5. 1. Embryonic stem cells

5.1. Derived from embryos

5.2. Can develop into any kind of cell in the body

6. 2. Adult stem cells

6.1. Generate the cell types of the tissue in which they reside

6.1.1. Differ in the number and type of differentiated cells types they can become

6.2. Generally limited in types it can differentiate into

7. Valuable as they might be used to cure diseases in the future.

8. Stem cells are biological cells found in all multicellular organisms

9. Uses for stem cells

9.1. Current uses

9.1.1. Skin burns

9.1.2. Blood diseases

9.2. Future uses

9.2.1. Developing into new medicines

9.2.2. Treatment to other diseases

9.2.3. Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases

10. Obstacles

10.1. Some regard the destruction of the blastocyst, to be the murder of human life.

10.2. Scientists do not yet fully understand the signals that turn specific genes on and off to influence the differentiation of the stem cell