Stem Cells: Unlocking The Potential to Regenerate Tissues

Stem cells have the potential to develop into various cell types and have two key features: self-renewal and differentiation. There are three types of stem cells: embryonic, fetal, and adult. Embryonic stem cells are crucial for embryo development, while fetal stem cells have less specialization ability than embryonic but more than adult stem cells. Adult stem cells act as a repair system in tissues. Salamanders can regenerate limbs using blastema cells, similar to stem cells. Harnessing stem cells could revolutionize medicine, offering treatments for diseases and tissue regeneration.

What are the two main characteristics of stem cells?

• They can only divide a limited number of times.

• They can transform into any cell type and replicate themselves.

• They are found only in embryos.

• They are used exclusively for research purposes.

Where are embryonic stem cells found?

• In adult tissues like bone marrow.

• In the brain and spinal cord.

• In the early ball of cells from a fertilized egg.

• In the heart and liver.

Why are fetal stem cells not commonly used in research?

• They are too similar to adult stem cells.

• They have less specialization ability than embryonic stem cells.

• They are difficult to obtain.

• They are not found in the human body.

What is the primary role of adult stem cells in the body?

• To create new organs.

• To replace embryonic stem cells.

• To act as an internal repair system.

• To develop into embryos.

How do salamanders regenerate their limbs?

• Using embryonic stem cells.

• By using groups of cells called blastema.

• Through a process similar to adult stem cell repair.

• By growing new cells from scratch.