Embryonic stem cells come from the embryo. When the embryo begins to grow the cell starts to specialize. These cells can be transformed into specialized cells to be used in the body.
Induced Pluripotent stem cells (iPS) have lots of potential since they can specialize like the embryonic cells. Since these cells come directly from the patient the chance that the cells will be rejected is not present. The downfall is that these cells have a potential to create tumors.
Adult stem cells/Somatic stem cells primary role is to repair and maintain the tissue in a living organism. These cells can be found in many organs and tissues in the adult body such as; brain, bone marrow, blood vessels, skeletal muscle, teeth, skin, heart and many more. These cells only divide when there is a need for more cells to maintain tissues, disease, or tissue injury. The problem with these is that their capability of division is limited, therefore large quantities of adult stem cells are difficult.
Specialization is when the scientists trick the stem cells to turn into what they want. The scientists grow them in petri dishes to create many colonies. Then with the use of growth factors the scientists differentiate the cells into specific tissues that their trying to make.
Transplants are always needed yet there is never enough to go around. So it would be great if we could use stem cells to help the organs in need. Stem cells have the posibility to treat/cure diseases like leukemia, cancer, can make skin grafts, healing of tendon and ligament damage in horses legs, diabetes, strokes, alzheimers, parkinson's, muscle repairs, and possibly even spinal cord injuries.
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