Stem Cell Research: Biology, Types, and Applications

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Stem Cell research
Introduction
In humans, two types of cell kind are found that stem cells and somatic cells. The stem
cells have the ability to differentiate into any other type of cell and renew themselves.
Whereas somatic cells have been differentiated into different types of cells which form
tissues with the same functions. Stem cells have developed from inner cells of the
blastocyst. Somatic cells are found in different tissues of the body which have
differentiated and cannot change their characteristics anymore.
Description of the biology of stem cells
A blastocyst is a formation found at day 4-5 after fertilisation has occurred. It forms the
embryo and attaches itself to the uterus wall. The inner cells of the blastocyst comprise
the embryonic stem cells. They have the pluripotency and as a result, can develop into
more than 200 typed of body cells. However, there is a misconception that stem cells
are found from the placenta. In research, these stem cells are made to grow under
different types of conditions, nutrient solution and can develop into different forms of
cells. Using this property of stem cells, they can be used to produce more specialized or
differentiated cells like nerve cells or heart cells when put under conducive conditions.
How these cells are unique from other cells
They have two properties which differ from other cells and are as follows:
1. Self-regeneration: step cells can undergrow numerous cell division cycles and
still remain undifferentiated. In this process, only their number and volume is
increased.
2. Potency: Depending on this factor, cells can be differentiated as totipotent and
pluripotent, multipotent, unipotent and oligopotent. Somatic cells do not have the
potency to differentiate into other forms. Totipotent cells can differentiate into
embryonic and extraembryonic cells. Pluripotent cells have slightly less potent
that totipotent cells. Multipotent cells can also be divided into cell types that are
closely related to themselves. Oligopotent stems cells are able to differentiate
into certain fixed cell types like lymph cells or myeloid cells. Unipotent cells, as
their name suggests can produce only one type of cells that is their own type
(Healthline, 2019).
Based on these properties these cells can be identified from one other. The tests
include clonogenic assays, where the cells are assessed for their potency and
regeneration.
Contrast the different types of stem cells
Embryonic stem cells: Belong to the embryo that is 4-5 days old and can be harvested
only during in-vitro fertilisation. These cells are the most potent and call give rise to any
type of cells.
Non-embryonic stem cell: Found in children and infants in their bone marrow and
other parts. They can repair damaged tissues, make red, white and other blood cells.