What Are Stem Cells   #Biology #jigsaw learning
Channel: JigSaw Learning
Date: 2018-10-01

Our bodies are the ultimate factory. Every cell has its specific job to do, and is shaped to do that job perfectly. The fate of each cell is determined during the embryo stage, and then cannot be changed.

However, cutting-edge research made a major discovery for modern science: there are these wonderful cells that exist called stem cells. These cells have the ability to become any type of cell because they are not specialised. 

Scientists were hugely excited by their discovery because they can be used to repair damaged organs, bones or cartilage. They could also be used to help treat diseases, such as by making new brain cells to treat people with Parkinson’s disease. Or they could be used to repair damaged immune systems, and even reverse paralysis or regrow lost limbs. The discovery of stem cells is huge for modern medicine, and could have a massive impact.

There are two types of stem cells in humans: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.

Embryonic stem cells are unspecialised cells that can develop into any type of cell. Adult stem cells are also unspecialised cells but whilst they can develop into many types of cell, unlike embryonic stem cells, they cannot develop into every type of cell.