Stem Cell Definitions
Definitions + Terms:
Here is some basic terminology to know regarding stem cells!
Terms are divided up by the section they appear in first.
References:
https://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/1.htm
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/differentiation
https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/Blastocyst_Development
https://www.stemgent.com/knowledge/cellular_reprogramming
Blastocyst
Cellular Reprogramming
A spherical shell of cells formed in the early stages of mammalian development. Within the shell exists a small solid collection of cells known as the inner cell mass - these are the cells harvested to create embryonic stem cells.
The process of a specialized body cell becoming a stem cell – opposite to differentiation and specialization.
Go to Stem Cell
Overview
Properties + Potency
Stem Cell Types
General
Stem Cells
Cells capable of turning into different types of cells in the body.
or
A class of undifferentiated cells that can specialize into other cell types.
The process of a stem cell turning into different (more specific or specialized) cell types.
Differentiation + Specialization
The ability of a cell to turn into different cell types.
Plasticity
Self-Renewal
A process that stem cells undergo to create more or maintain the same number of stem cells.
Potency
The scope or relative amount of cell types that a stem cell is able to differentiate into.
Multipotent - Differentiates into many cell types
Pluripotent - Differentiates into most/almost all cell types
Totipotent - Differentiates into all cell types