Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have the ability to differentiate into a variety of specialized cell types. This makes them a valuable tool for research and regenerative medicine. Hay dos fuentes principales de células madre.: células madre embrionarias y células madre adultas.

Los orígenes de las células madre

Las células madre se derivan de la masa celular interna de un blastocisto., which is a hollow ball of cells that forms during early embryonic development. The inner cell mass gives rise to the embryo proper, while the outer layer of cells forms the placenta.

Fuentes de células madre

Células madre embrionarias Se derivan de la masa celular interna de un blastocisto.. Estas células son pluripotentes., meaning that they can differentiate into any type of cell in the body. Sin embargo, embryonic stem cells are controversial because they require the destruction of an embryo.

Células madre adultas are found in small numbers in various tissues throughout the body. Estas células son multipotentes., meaning that they can differentiate into a limited number of cell types. Sin embargo, adult stem cells are more difficult to isolate and grow in culture than embryonic stem cells.

Stem cells are a promising tool for research and regenerative medicine. Sin embargo, the ethical concerns surrounding embryonic stem cells have led to the development of alternative sources of stem cells, such as adult stem cells.