Stem cells are undifferentiated (not specialized) cells that have the potential to become specialized. “Specialized” means that the cell has been modified in order to perform a specific function. Stems cells are unique because 1.) they are able to develop into a multitude of different cells and 2.) they can self-renew and replicate repeatedly for a long period of time. There a few types of stem cells: adult, embryonic and cordial blood. Adult stem cells can be found in tissues and organs,embryonic stem cells are found in embryos, and cord blood stem cells are found in the blood of the umbilical cord. Adult and cord blood stems cells are described as multipotent, which means the cells can differentiate into more than one cell type and can become specialized, but not all (limited). Embryonic stem cells are totipotent; the cells can differentiate and become specialized as any type of somatic cell and also placental cells.
Sources:
http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/pages/basics1.aspx
http://stemcell.ny.gov/faqs/what-difference-between-totipotent-pluripotent-and-multipotent
The information is very accurate and well-explained. The links to expand are awesome, but try to use a consistant method of referencing sources. Maybe the blog's design could be improved a bit so that it looks better, not just black.
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This a very well researched page, full of information. The background is lovely and the flow of topics is good. I just wish you guys would have presented the info in a more creative way. Maybe with more pictures? Other than that, it's awesome.
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