Stem cells

• Stem cells

  Undifferentiated cells with the capability of specialising into cells with a specific function

  
• Stem cell differentiation

  1. Stem cells undergo differentiation

  2. Develop into specialised cells

  3. Replicate through self-renewal

  
• Self-renewal


  • Capacity to replicate without disrupting ability to differentiate
  • Produces both a differentiated cell and a copy of themselves
• Potency


  • Ability to differentiate into different cell types
• Types of potency

  • Totipotent
  • Pluripotent
  • Multipotent
• Totipotent cells


  Can differentiate into any cell type
• Totipotent example


  • The zygote
• Pluripotent cells


  Can differentiate into multiple cell types
• Pluripotent example

  • Embryonic stem cells
• Multipotent cells


  Can differentiate into a limited number of specialised cell types belonging to a specific tissue or organ
• Multipotent example


  • Blood stem cells (haematopoietic stem cells)
  • Mesenchymal stem cells

  
• Blood stem cells can differentiate into a variety of different blood cells including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets