Background
What is it?
Stem Cells are cells in the body that do not yet have a function
Cells that are "unspecialized"
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Can renew themselves and divide for long periods of time
Have the potential to form into any body cell
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Can create specialized cells in the body
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What are the different kinds of stem cells?
Pluripotent Stem Cells- Stem cells that have the ability to turn into any cell type of the body
                        
(Embryonic)
Multipotent Stem Cells- Stem cells that are obtained from a certain part of the body that can only produce cells of that type. Do not have the ability to form into any cell type.
                            
(Adult)
Adult v.s. Embryonic
Adult Stem Cells- These stem cells are obtained from the bodys of matured individuals. They can come from any organ or tissue and be used to repair damaged cells of the same type. Adult Stem Cells cannot form into any cell type desired but only into the cell type they orginally come from.Scientists are limited to study these stem cells because federal funding allows for this research only.
Embryonic Stem Cells- Embryonic stem cells are obtained from embryos ranging from four to five days old that have been donated from an in vitro fertilization clinic. The cells of an embryo have the potential to become any cell in the body and can be used to treat diseases, injuries, certain cancers, etc. Scientists would prefer using these stem cells due to their large potential benefits.
How would you grow stem cells?
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Following these steps, scientists are able isolate the cells of an embryo and grow them in a culture.
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