Stem cell technology

Abstract

Stem cell is the term used to designate those cells of the body that are capable of dividing in their unspecialised form (self renewal) and yet still have the potential to develop into specialised cell types. The process by which stem cells develop into specialised cells devoted to a specific function is known as differentiation. In the course of this process, the immature, undifferentiated cells develop into specialised cells capable of performing one specific function in the adult organism. To reach this point, the stem cell has to pass through a series of differentiation stages. The morphology and function of differentiated cells is very different from that of their progenitor cells, and varies widely from one type of cell to another. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.