Question

What is the importance of stem cells?

Answer 1

Stem cells:

1. The undifferentiated mass of cells continuously divides and develops into other kinds of cells/tissues.
2. Two main sources of stem cells are the Umbilical cord and Bone marrow.
3. Umbilical cord: The cord links the developing fetus with the placenta when the fetus is in the mother's uterus. The stem cells found in the umbilical cord are multipotent (able to form multiple types of cells).
4. Bone marrow: The lymphoid tissue is found in the bones of the skin and thigh. The stem cells found in the bone marrow can divide and differentiate into blood cells.

Importance of stem cells:

1. Stem cells give rise to all other cells with specialized tasks.
2. Stem cells generate new cells called daughter cells after division in the lab or under correct conditions in the body.
3. Stem cells can differentiate into a variety of cell types.
4. Stem cells can be utilized to replace tissues that have been destroyed.