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What are stem cells?
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So what are stem cells? To simplify, cells are basic unit of life.
While bacteria are unicellular, and consisting of a single cell, human
beings are regarded as multicellular, as they have, literally, trillions
of cells.
They are responsible for everything we do, from energy supply so that
you go about your day, or reproduction. The cells in your body have
many different functions and they were rooted from the simplest cells
that are not yet specialized, known as stem cells.
It means that a stem cell is basically a cell that does not have a
specific job in the body. Yet. The word "simple" is still
a bit misleading because it implies that these cells are not important,
which is far from the case.
When a stem cell divides, the new cell can become a different cell
with a more specific function, such as a heart cell, or it may remain
a stem cell. The stem cells are vital to humans for many reasons.
In the early stages of embryonic development, a small group of about
thirty cells eventually leads to hundreds of highly specialized cells
that are necessary for adult life.
In fact, groups of stem
cells in some adult tissues also result in replacement cells that
are destroyed due to injury, illness or age.
As we learn more about stem cells, scientists can understand how these multi-purpose cells can develop into specific and specialized cells that make human beings what they are today. By studying stem cells, we can learn about the actual process that is produced from a single stem cell to a huge array of specialized cells that allow us to function.
Stem cells are already used today to treat medical conditions that
you or a loved one can be the subject of continued research. Certain
types of stem cells may also provide a source of cells for treating
a wide range of conditions such as Parkinson's, burns, diabetes
and heart
disease
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Stem cell
benefits is intended for your general information only
and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.
What are stem cells used for | What are stem cells