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| − | '''Stem cells''' have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body.
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| − | When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or to become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a [[muscle]] cell, a [[red blood cell]], or a [[brain]] cell.
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| − | Serving as a sort of repair system for the body, they can theoretically divide without limit to replenish other cells as long as the [[organism]] is still alive.
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| − | *Broadly speaking, a stem cell is one that – in the course of [[cell division]] and increase in the numbers of cells – is able to reproduce itself and also mature into various specialized types of cells. The stem cell with the greatest potential (totipotential) is the fertilized [[egg cell]], which is capable of developing into a complete organism. [http://www.21stcenturysciencetech.com/articles/winter01/stem_cell.html]
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| − | ==Controversy over human embryonic stem cell research==
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| − | Wolfgang Lillge, M.D. wrote:
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| − | *The question of stem cells is currently the dominant subject in the debate over [[biotechnology]] and [[human genetics]]: Should we use [[embryonic stem cell]]s or [[adult stem cell]]s for future medical therapies? [http://www.21stcenturysciencetech.com/articles/winter01/stem_cell.html]
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| − | ==See also==
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| − | *[[stem cell research]]
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| − | [[category:Biology]]
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