Stem cell意思
"Stem cell" is a term used in biology to describe a type of cell that has the ability to differentiate into multiple types of cells within the body. These cells are found in multicellular organisms and play a crucial role in growth and development, as well as in the maintenance and repair of tissues throughout the organism's lifetime.
Stem cells can be classified into two main types:
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Embryonic stem cells: These are derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, a stage of the developing embryo a few days after fertilization. Embryonic stem cells have the potential to differentiate into all cell types of the body, making them pluripotent.
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Adult stem cells (or somatic stem cells): These are found in adult tissues and organs, where they serve to maintain and repair tissue. Adult stem cells are more specialized than embryonic stem cells and typically have a more limited differentiation potential, meaning they can give rise to a narrower range of cell types.
Stem cell research has the potential to lead to advances in regenerative medicine, where diseased or damaged tissues could be replaced with new, healthy ones. However, the use of embryonic stem cells in particular has been the subject of ethical debate due to the destruction of the embryo, which some consider to be equivalent to destroying a human life.