Definitions

 

Adult or tissue stem cell

Undifferentiated cell found in a specialized tissue (i.e. bone marrow, skin, muscle, etc.). Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells found in a specialized tissue. Has the ability to make a limited range of specialised cell types.

Blastocyst

An early stage embryo that has not implanted into the womb. A blastocyst is a ball of cells the size of a pinhead, containing a cluster of cells called the inner cell mass.

Cell culture

The growth of cells in a laboratory dish for experimental research. The cells are grown in a solution, or medium, that contains nutrients and growth factors. Different factors can be added to the culture medium to initiate changes in cell behavior.

Differentiation

The process by which cells become specialized to perform particular tasks.

Embryonic stem cell

Stem cells taken from the embryo that have the potential to make most cell types both in the body and in the laboratory.

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

The fertilization of an egg outside the body, usually in the laboratory in a Petri dish or test tube. This technique is used to help infertile couples trying to have children.

Inner cell mass

The cluster of cells inside the blastocyst. The cells of the inner cell mass can be isolated to give rise to embryonic stem cells that ultimately give rise to the foetus. They therefore have the potential to give rise to every cell type in the body.

 

Multipotent

The ability of a stem cell to give rise to only a limited range of cell types in the body.

Neural stem cell

Stem cell found in the brain. Has the ability to make all the different cells of the nervous system: neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes.

 

Plasticity

The ability of stem cells from one adult tissue to generate the cell types of another tissue.

Pluripotent

The ability of a stem cell to give rise to the many different cell types of the body.

 

Regenerative medicine

It is hoped that stem cells will be able to replace/replenish tissue that has been diseased or damaged. For example, in Parkinson's disease for which there is no effective current treatment, it is hoped that stem cells will be able to replenish the damage

 

Self-renewal

The ability of a stem cell to divide and produce copies of itself, for an indefinite period of time.

Stem Cell

An unspecialized cell that has the ability to multiply without limit, and can also give rise to specialized cell types in the body.