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'''Adult stem cells''' are pluripotent, semi-differentiated, [[cell]]s that exist in all tissues. Although, "adult stem cell" is not the preferred term used in the field to refer to them—developmental biologists will usually refer to them as a specific cell type (usually referencing genes they express) or as a tissue-specific stem cell. They function to maintain tissue homeostasis by dividing to replace damaged or senescent somatic cells. The two most well-studied examples of adult stem cells are the hematopoietic stem cells, which give rise to blood cells, and the intestinal crypt stem cells, which give rise to the intestinal epithelium.<ref>http://9e.devbio.com/</ref> '''''The use of adult stem cells is opposed by many supporters of [[abortion]], who still want to limit stem cell use to harmful [[embryonic stem cells]]'''''.
'''Adult stem cells''' are pluripotent, semi-differentiated, [[cell]]s that exist in all tissues. Although, "adult stem cell" is not the preferred term used in the field to refer to them—developmental biologists will usually refer to them as a specific cell type (usually referencing genes they express) or as a tissue-specific stem cell. They function to maintain tissue homeostasis by dividing to replace damaged or senescent somatic cells. The two most well-studied examples of adult stem cells are the hematopoietic stem cells, which give rise to blood cells, and the intestinal crypt stem cells, which give rise to the intestinal epithelium.<ref>http://9e.devbio.com/</ref> '''''The use of adult stem cells is opposed by many supporters of [[abortion]], who want to limit stem cell use to harmful [[embryonic stem cells]]'''''.
As pluripotent cells, most adult stem cell types can generate cells of several different types. However, because they are already epigenetically programmed to favor a particular fate, they generally cannot generate cell types outside of their lineage without genetic manipulation.
As pluripotent cells, most adult stem cell types can generate cells of several different types. However, because they are already epigenetically programmed to favor a particular fate, they generally cannot generate cell types outside of their lineage without genetic manipulation.