Stofnfrumum

Stofnfrumum, also known as stem cells, are undifferentiated or partially differentiated cells that can differentiate into various types of specialized cells and can divide indefinitely to produce more of the same stem cell. This property of self-renewal is a defining characteristic of stem cells.

There are two main types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos in the blastocyst stage of development and are pluripotent, meaning they can differentiate into any cell type in the body. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, are found in various tissues and organs throughout the body after embryonic development and are generally multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into a limited range of cell types specific to their tissue of origin.

The potential applications of stem cells in regenerative medicine are vast. They hold promise for treating a wide range of diseases and injuries, including neurodegenerative disorders, heart disease, diabetes, and spinal cord injuries, by replacing damaged or diseased cells with healthy ones. Research into stem cell biology continues to expand our understanding of development, disease, and potential therapeutic strategies. Ethical considerations surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells remain a topic of ongoing discussion and debate.