Science
What is A stem cell?
A stem cell is an unspecialized cell that can both copy itself and develop into many different cell types. This makes stem cells the body's raw material for growth and repair — and a powerful tool in modern medicine.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains a stem cell.
Key things to understand
- 1They can renew themselves and turn into specialized cells like muscle or nerve.
- 2Embryonic stem cells can become almost any cell type.
- 3Adult stem cells maintain and repair specific tissues, like blood or skin.
- 4They already treat conditions through bone-marrow transplants.
- 5Researchers can now reprogram ordinary cells back into stem-like cells.
Frequently asked questions
- What makes stem cells special?
- Unlike ordinary cells, they can both multiply and transform into different specialized cell types, fueling growth and repair.
- What are stem cells used for in medicine?
- Established uses include bone-marrow transplants for blood cancers; research targets repairing organs, nerves, and tissues.
- What are induced stem cells?
- Ordinary adult cells reprogrammed back into a stem-like state, which avoids the ethical issues of embryonic ones.