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    Screenshot 2024-08-30 at 4.13.31 PM

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    of 4

    Stem Cells and Their

    Applications
    Stem cells are unique cells with the ability to develop into many different cell
    types in the body during early life and growth. They serve as a repair system for
    the body, capable of dividing and differentiating into specialized cell types.

    Stem cells are not present everywhere in the body; they are found in specific locations
    known as niches. The distribution and types of stem cells vary depending on the tissue
    and the needs of the organism.

    Types of Stem Cells

    Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs)

    1. Source: Derived from embryos that are three to five days old.

    2. Potency: Pluripotent (can develop into any cell type in the body).

    3. Applications: Regenerative medicine, studying early human development.


    Embryonic Stem Cells

    The fertilized egg begins to divide immediately. All the cells in the young embryo are totipotent cells. These
    cells form a hollow structure within a few days. Cells in one region group together to form the inner cell mass.
    This contains pluripotent cells that make up the developing foetus.

    The embryonic stem cells can be further classified as:

    •Totipotent Stem Cells: These can differentiate into all possible types of stem cells.

    •Pluripotent Stem Cells: These are the cells from an early embryo and can differentiate into any cell type.

    •Multipotent Stem Cells: These differentiate into a closely related cell type. E.g., the hematopoietic stem
    cells differentiate into red blood cells and white blood cells.

    •Oligopotent Stem Cells: Adult lymphoid or myeloid cells are oligopotent. They can differentiate into a few
    different types of cells.

    •Unipotent Stem Cells: They can produce cells only of their own type. Since they have the ability to renew
    themselves, they are known as unipotent stem cells. E.g., Muscle stem cells.

    Adult Stem Cells (ASCs)

    • Source: Found in adult tissues such as bone marrow, fat, and blood.

    • Potency: Multipotent (can develop into a limited number of cell types).

    • Applications: Treating blood-related diseases, tissue repair, and regeneration.

    Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

    • Source: Adult cells reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state.

    • Potency: Pluripotent. (can develop into any cell type in the body).

    • Applications: Personalized medicine, disease modeling, regenerative therapies, drug testing


    Applications of Stem Cells

    Tissue Regeneration

    This is the most important application of stem cells. The stem cells can be used to grow
    a specific type of tissue or organ. This can be helpful in kidney and liver transplants.
    The doctors have already used the stem cells from beneath the epidermis to develop skin
    tissue that can repair severe burns or other injuries by tissue grafting.

    Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease

    A team of researchers have developed blood vessels in mice using human stem cells.
    Within two weeks of implantation, the blood vessels formed their network and were as
    efficient as the natural vessels.

    Treatment of Brain Diseases

    Stem cells can also treat diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.
    These can help to replenish the damaged brain cells. Researchers have tried to
    differentiate embryonic stem cells into these types of cells and make it possible to
    treat diseases.
    stem cells and normal
    cells
    Self-Renewal:

    1. Stem Cells: Can divide and produce identical copies of themselves for
    long periods, maintaining their undifferentiated state.

    2. Normal Cells: Have a limited capacity for division and do not


    continually self-renew.

    Role in the Body:

    1. Stem Cells: Act as a repair system, capable of generating various cell types
    needed for growth and healing.

    2. Normal Cells: Perform specific functions related to their specialized structure


    and role within the tissue or organ they belong to.

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