What are stem cells?
Q: What are stem cells?
A: Stem cells are cells of the body (somatic cells) which can divide and become differentiated. They have not yet specialized into a specific type of cell, but they can change to become some kind of specialized cell.
Q: Where are stem cells found?
A: Stem cells are found in most, if not all, plants and animals.
Q: When did research in the stem cell field begin?
A: Research in the stem cell field grew out of findings in the 1960s.
Q: What are the two broad types of mammalian stem cells?
A: The two broad types of mammalian stem cells are embryonic stem cells, and adult stem cells, which are found in adult tissues.
Q: How do organisms use stem cells?
A: Organisms use stem cells to replace damaged or lost tissue as well as maintain normal turnover of blood, skin, and intestinal tissues.
Q: How can researchers use stemcells?
A: Researchers can use them for medical therapies and expect that they will be used for many future therapies.
