Glossary

The capacity some cells have to switch from one cell type to another and — in some cases — back again. The plasticity of certain tissue-specific stem cells Mature stem cells that are found in many adult organs and tissues (such as the brain and muscles). Unlike pluripotent stem cells, they can only produce the cell types found in the organ or tissue they inhabit. They're responsible for replacing cells that have been lost due to natural wear and tear, injury and illness throughout life; however, their ability to do so decreases with age. tissue-specific stem cells Mature stem cells that are found in many adult organs and tissues (such as the brain and muscles). Unlike pluripotent stem cells, they can only produce the cell types found in the organ or tissue they inhabit. They're responsible for replacing cells that have been lost due to natural wear and tear, injury and illness throughout life; however, their ability to do so decreases with age. enables them to transform into cell types that would normally be considered outside their normal range of differentiation The process by which stem cells transform into specific, specialized cell types with distinct functions and features. differentiation The process by which stem cells transform into specific, specialized cell types with distinct functions and features..