Source: http://www.time.com/time/2001/stemcells/#
In the past couple years, the topic of stem cell research has burst into the scientific forefront. Stem cells hold the potential to cure many debilitating diseases as well as to make a huge impact on research science.
A stem cell is a cell from an embryo, fetus, or adult that has two distinct characteristics. It has the unique capacity to renew itself for long periods of time, and it can give rise to many specialized cell types that make up the different tissues and organs of the body.
Most cell types, such as skin and heart cells, are committed to a specific function. However, a stem cell is uncommitted. Depending on the signal it receives, it can develop into many specialized cells. The process by which an unspecialized cell becomes specialized is known as differentiation.
Source: http://www.time.com/time/2001/stemcells/#
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