Stem Cells

Definition

Unspecialised cells that can divide to renew themselves and can develop (differentiate) into specialised cell types such as nerve, muscle, or blood cells.

Key points

• Embryonic stem cells (from early embryos) can form almost any cell type and are described as pluripotent; adult (somatic) stem cells, such as those in bone marrow, are more limited in what they can become.
• Induced pluripotent stem cells are adult cells reprogrammed in the laboratory to behave like embryonic stem cells, work for which Shinya Yamanaka shared the 2012 Nobel Prize in Medicine.
• Stem cells are used in regenerative medicine, bone-marrow transplants for blood cancers, and research into repairing damaged tissue.
• Umbilical cord blood is a recognised source of stem cells, leading to cord-blood banking.
• Embryonic stem-cell research raises ethical debates, and India regulates stem-cell research and therapy through national guidelines (verify the latest framework).

Why it matters for CAPF

Stem cells, pluripotency, induced pluripotent stem cells, the 2012 Nobel Prize, and bone-marrow transplants are recurring biotechnology and health facts that also carry a bioethics dimension.

Common confusion

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent (can form most cell types), while adult stem cells are more restricted; induced pluripotent stem cells are made from adult cells, not embryos. Stem-cell therapy is well established for blood disorders but many other uses are still experimental.

Related concepts

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Parent note

biotechnology and genetics