Stem Cells
What are they?
Stem cells produce specialized cells. These specialized cells are then able to build and faciliate complext human functions. Cells build tissues which in turn build organs and from there organs create the systems that our bodies need to be functional.
There are embryonic and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are a much broader range of what they can become; they can also be referred to as totipotent cells. Adult stem cells are much more specialized; they can also be referred to as multipotent cells. Adult stem cells reside in the organs and continue to divide maintaining the tissue in them. Once the embryonic stem cells are harvested, chemical signals must be given to have they become the desired cells. These cells can then from the tissues and organs wanted or needed.
There are embryonic and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are a much broader range of what they can become; they can also be referred to as totipotent cells. Adult stem cells are much more specialized; they can also be referred to as multipotent cells. Adult stem cells reside in the organs and continue to divide maintaining the tissue in them. Once the embryonic stem cells are harvested, chemical signals must be given to have they become the desired cells. These cells can then from the tissues and organs wanted or needed.
How are they used?
Stem cells are used to build new organs and tissues. These stem cells are harvested as embryonic and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are taken from embryos. They are given chemical signals to produce the desired tissue. To use adult stem cells they must be be 'recreated' into 'embryonic stem cells'; embryonic stem cells are totipotent meaning they are not specialized while adult stem cells are completely specialized. Through inserting specific genes or proteins into the adult stem cell they are able to act like pleuripotent cells. Pleuripotent cells more specialized then embryonic stem cells, but are not nearly as specialized as adult stem cells; they still have some ability to become other cells. These once adult stem cells are referred to as induced stem cells. These induced stem cells can then be signaled to make a mulititude of tissue types.
Helpful & Interesting Videos
Printing a Human Kidney
Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic Stem Cell Animation
What are Stem Cells?
-GVSU BIO 205 Lecture 9/15/2012 J. Vigna
Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic Stem Cell Animation
What are Stem Cells?
-GVSU BIO 205 Lecture 9/15/2012 J. Vigna