Glossary

Stem cells Cells that have the ability to differentiate into multiple types of cells and make an unlimited number of copies of themselves. Stem cells Cells that have the ability to differentiate into multiple types of cells and make an unlimited number of copies of themselves. that can undergo self-renewal When stem cells self-renew, they divide to make identical copies of themselves. self-renewal When stem cells self-renew, they divide to make identical copies of themselves. and 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. to become any cell type found in the body. The two major types used in research are embryonic stem cells Pluripotent stem cells that give rise to every cell type in the adult body. They are derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst. embryonic stem cells Pluripotent stem cells that give rise to every cell type in the adult body. They are derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst. and induced pluripotent stem cells iPS cells are cells taken from a patient that are reprogrammed so that they can undergo differentiation into any type of cell in the body. By maintaining the genetic code of the patient, iPS cells play a crucial role in disease modeling and regenerative medicine. induced pluripotent stem cells iPS cells are cells taken from a patient that are reprogrammed so that they can undergo differentiation into any type of cell in the body. By maintaining the genetic code of the patient, iPS cells play a crucial role in disease modeling and regenerative medicine..