Hi there! A few weeks ago, I wrote a document on stem cells! Here it is!
STEM CELLS
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are cells that can turn into/develop into different types of cells. It is used as a repair system for the body.
Types of stem cells!
There are two types:
Embryonic stem cells: Embryonic stem cells are ones that are being used in research from unused embryos. Embryos mean an unborn offspring in the process of development. They are being donated to science. They’re more likely to produce only certain types of cells. This type of cell can be used for more than one type of cell.
Adult stem cells: There are two types of adult stem cells. One of the types comes from fully developed tissues like the brain, hard bone and skin. So this type of stem cell will produce what it’s for. Like if it came from your kidney, it would only make more of those cells.
The second type are called induced pluripotent stem cells. These adult stem cells have been changed into embryonic stem cells. Scientists first said that human stem cells could be changed like that in 2006. They’re not too different from embryonic stem cells, but scientists haven’t found one that can produce all kinds of cells and tissues yet.
Why are they important?
Stem cells are important because they can regenerate and repair damaged tissue. These are important to living things because they can repair those lost or damaged cells that your body needs.
Where are they found?
Scientists have discovered that many tissues and organs do contain some stem cells. They are found in the brain, bone marrow, skeletal muscle, teeth, blood vessels, skin, heart, gut and liver. There are more, but not all organs and tissues have them.