What are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are very useful cells that have the ability to many different types of cells in the body. Stem cells are unique in that they can go through a process called self-renewal, where they divide and create an identical copy of themselves, even after long periods of time in which the cells remained inactive. Additionally, stem cells can also divide to form cells that develop into cells that make up every type of tissue and organ in the body. These cells are incredibly useful and valuable, given that there’s no theoretical limit to the types of conditions and diseases that could be treated with stem cell therapy. These cells allow researchers to study all cell types and offer insight to how the body works as well, since development of certain tissues and organs can be monitored in a controlled environment.
What It Means for a Stem Cell to be Pluripotent or Multipotent
Pluripotent stem cells are stem cells that have the potential to differentiate into any type of cell. Only two types of stem cells are pluripotent; embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent (iPS) stem cells, whereas other types of stem cells are only capable of becoming certain types of cells. This is known as multipotency.
Illustration showing a pluripotent stem cell and its potential to develop into many different types of cells.
Image Source: BI-1