Embryonic stem cells can replicate themselves and differentiate into many other types of cells. Embryonic stem cells may be able to treat conditions such as paralysis and diabetes by dividing to replace damaged cells
Adult stem cells can differentiate into several cell types to replace dead or damaged tissues. For example, bone marrow stem cells can form many different types of blood cell
Meristem stem cells retain the ability to differentiate into any type of plant cell throughout their lifespan - they can differentiate into any cell which is required by the plant
A cloning method where an embryo is produced with the same genetic makeup as the patient. The stem cells which originate from the embryo will not be rejected by the patient's immune system, so can be used to treat certain medical conditions