Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Stem cells

Stems cells are unspecialized cells that are capable of continually renewing and dividing through cell division for long periods. They are also capable of differentiating into specialized cell types under appropriate conditions. Therefore the two normal functions are to reproduce and give rise to more cells indefinitely (in the case of 3 to 5 day old blastocyst), and to regenerate multiple types of cells to replace those that have died or were damaged (where there is a local infection/injury).

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