Stem cells Flashcards
what is cellular differentiation
process by which a cell becomes specialized to perform a specific function
what is a stem cell
an undifferentiated cell
what are the two types of stem cells
embryonic and tissue (adult stem cells)
what are embryonic stem cells
come from embryos, can differentiate into any kind of cell
what are tissue stem cells
they exsist within specialized tissue and are only able to differentiate into certain types of cells
what is cord blood banking
blood in the ability cord has stem cells. this blood can be collected and stored in case it’s needed later in life
what are stem cells like in plants
found in roots, unlike in animal stem cells plant stem cells can differentiate into organs and tissue
why is the use of stem cells from embryos controversial
because the cells have the potential to become a child
