Stem cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the unique ability to develop into various cell types. 

They can divide to produce more stem cells or differentiate to form specific types of cells, each with a particular function.

Types and functions of stem cells

• Embryonic Stem Cells (in Animals): 

  • Found in embryos, which form when a sperm fertilises an egg. 

  • Can be cloned and made to differentiate into almost any type of human cell. 

  • This makes them valuable for potential treatments for conditions such as diabetes and paralysis.

• Adult Stem Cells (in Animals): 

  • Located in certain tissues like bone marrow. 

  • Can differentiate into a limited range of cell types, such as blood cells. 

  • They are often used to treat conditions affecting the same tissue or organ, for example, using bone marrow stem cells to treat blood disorders.

• Meristem Stem Cells (in Plants): 

  • Found in the meristem tissue at the tips of plant shoots and roots. 

  • Unlike animal stem cells, meristem cells can differentiate into any type of plant cell throughout the plant's life, aiding in growth and regeneration.

Therapeutic cloning

Therapeutic cloning is a process where an embryo is created with the same genetic makeup as the patient. 

This allows stem cells derived from the embryo to be used in treatments without being rejected by the patient’s immune system. 

This technique shows promise in treating conditions like diabetes (by replacing damaged pancreatic cells) and paralysis (by repairing spinal cord injuries).

Stem cells in plants