Introducing stem cells

A life story…

Stem Cell – Definition

• A cell that has the ability to

Stem Cell Characteristics

• ‘Blank cells’ (unspecialized)

• Capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods of time

( )

• Have the potential to

Kinds of Stem CellsKinds of Stem Cells

Stem cell Stem cell typetype DescriptionDescription ExamplesExamples

TotipotentTotipotent Cells from early (1-Cells from early (1-3 days) embryos3 days) embryos

PluripotentPluripotentSome cells of Some cells of blastocyst (5 to 14 blastocyst (5 to 14 days)days)

MultipotentMultipotentFetal tissue, cord Fetal tissue, cord blood, and adult blood, and adult stem cellsstem cells

stem cell

What is a stem cell?

stem cell

SELF-RENEWAL(copying)

specialized celle.g. muscle cell, nerve cell

DIFFERENTIATION(specializing)

This cellCan form the

Embryo and placenta

This cellCan just form the

embryo

Fully mature

Kinds of Stem CellsKinds of Stem CellsEmbryonic stem cells

Embryonic germ cells • derived from the part of a human embryo or fetus

that will ultimately produce eggs or sperm ( ).

Adult stem cells • undifferentiated cells found among specialized or

differentiated cells in• appear to have a more restricted ability to produce

different cell types and to self-renew.

Pluripotent Stem Cells –

Embryonic stem (ES) cells:What they can do

embryonic stem cells

PLURIPOTENT

all possible types of specialized cells

differentiation

Embryonic Stem Cells

Mainly from IVF

Multipotent stem cells

• Multipotent stem cells –

Tissue stem cells:What they can do

MULTIPOTENT

blood stem cell

found in bone marrow

differentiation

only specialized types of blood cell:red blood cells, white blood cells,

platelets

• Skin • Fat Cells• Bone marrow• Brain• Many other organs

& tissues

Adult Stem CellsAn undifferentiated cells found among cells in a tissue or organ after birth

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Stem cell jargon

Potency

Pluripotent

Multipotent