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Adult Stem Cell

An adult stem cell is an undifferentiated (a.k.a. unspecialized) cell that is found amongst differentiated cells, and that is able to renew itself on a daily basis. As such, its fundamental purpose is to act as a system of repair and maintenance. It has the capacity to differentiate to become the specialized type of cell required by the tissue or organ where it is located. For example, stem cells are responsible for generating 200 billion red blood cells each day.

Adult stem cells are also known as “somatic” stem cells. Unlike in the case of embryonic stem cells, the origins of adult cells are as yet unknown. Recently, some evidence has been gathered of a heretofore unsuspected “plasticity” in the functionality of adult stem cells, which suggests that they have a wider potential to form different types of cells. Simply put, cells from a bone marrow may be able to give rise to specialized cells for the liver, brain, kidney, etc. Such capacity would give man the power to regenerate damaged organs. This hypothesis regarding transdifferentiation has electrified researchers, but is still highly controversial and demanding of further studies.

Web Resources On Adult Stem Cell

Stem Cell Research Foundation
Wikipedia: Stem Cells

Book Resources On Adult Stem Cell

Adult Stem Cells by Kursad Turksen
Stem Cell Research: New Frontiers in Science and Ethics by Nancy E. Snow

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