What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are unspecialized cells with the powerful ability to develop into many different kinds of body cells.
- Pluripotent stem cells (like embryonic stem cells) can become any cell in the body.
- Multipotent stem cells (like adult stem cells) can become only certain types, like blood or bone cells.
- Stem cells change through differentiation, guided by chemical signals.
- They’re used in regenerative medicine to repair or replace damaged organs.
Can We Grow New Organs?
Using cutting-edge technology, scientists now grow real tissues and even whole organs in the lab using stem cells.
- Scientists use biodegradable scaffolds to help stem cells grow into organs.
- Organoids—tiny lab-grown versions of organs like mini brains, livers, and kidneys—are used to study diseases and test drugs safely.
- Eventually, doctors hope to grow fully functional organs from a patient’s cells, reducing organ rejection risk.
- This can reduce the need for organ donors and save many lives.
Fun Facts
Here are some interesting facts about stem cells:
- Some stem cells come from baby teeth and umbilical cords!
- Lab-grown bladders have already been transplanted into real patients.
- Scientists have grown a tiny beating heart from stem cells in a dish.
- Cut a flatworm in half, and both parts can regrow into whole worms thanks to powerful stem cells.
Review
Let’s quickly recap what we learned about stem cells:
- What type of stem cell can become any cell? Embryonic
- What are mini organs grown in the lab called? Organoids
- What guides stem cells to change into other cells? Chemical Signals
- Which type of stem cells can become only certain types of cells, like blood or bone? Multipotent
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