Q1. Where are stem cells found in the body?
Q2. How are they different from differentiated/ specialised cells?
Q3. What are the 2 main types of Stem cells?
Q4. How are they being used in medical research?
A1. Stem cells can be found in various parts of the body, including the bone marrow, blood, umbilical cord, and certain organs and tissues.
A2. Stem cells differ from differentiated/specialized cells in that they have the ability to divide and differentiate into many different types of cells in the body. Differentiated/specialized cells, on the other hand, have already undergone the process of differentiation and can only perform specific functions related to their specific cell type.
A3. The two main types of stem cells are embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos and have the potential to develop into any type of cell in the body. Adult stem cells are found in various tissues and organs of the body and can only develop into certain types of cells related to their tissue of origin.
A4. Stem cells are being used in medical research to understand the mechanisms of diseases and to potentially develop new treatment options. They can be used to study the development and progression of various diseases in a laboratory setting, as well as to test the safety and effectiveness of new drugs. Additionally, stem cells have the potential to be used in regenerative medicine, where they can be used to replace or repair damaged tissues and organs. This is being explored in areas such as spinal cord injuries, heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. While the use of stem cells in medical research is still in its early stages, it holds promising potential for future advancements in healthcare.