Stem cell division and differentiation: A – stem cells B – progenitor cell C – differentiated cell 1 – symmetric stem cell division 2 – asymmetric stem cell division 3 – progenitor division 4 – terminal differentiation Structure Defining properties They have mainly been studied in humans and model organisms such as mice and rats. The adult stem cell can be labeled in vivo and tracked, it can be isolated and then transplanted back into the organism, and it can be isolated in vivo and manipulated with growth hormones. There are three main methods to determine if the adult stem cell is capable of becoming a specialized cell. The main functions of adult stem cells are to replace cells that are at risk of possibly dying as a result of disease or injury and to maintain a state of homeostasis within the cell.
Unlike embryonic stem cells, the use of human adult stem cells in research and therapy is not considered to be controversial, as they are derived from adult tissue samples rather than human embryos designated for scientific research. The first of which, being their ability to divide or self-renew indefinitely, and secondly, their ability to generate all the cell types of the organ from which they originate, potentially regenerating the entire organ from a few cells.
Scientific interest in adult stem cells is centered around two main characteristics. Also known as somatic stem cells (from Greek σωματικóς, meaning of the body), they can be found in juvenile, adult animals, and humans, unlike embryonic stem cells. Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells, found throughout the body after development, that multiply by cell division to replenish dying cells and regenerate damaged tissues.
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