what are stem cells?

Question

I read that pig's teeth are being re-created by stem cells. Where do these come from? Is it available in the pharmacy? Can I re-create my teeth?

Answer 1

Stem cells are cells that are undifferentiated cells - that is, they have not yet been assigned a job or function in the body. They are capable of dividing themselves (mitosis) to become additional stem cells and they are capable of producing specialised cells (bone, skin, etc).

Embryonic stem cells are capable of the most diversity. They can become ANY type of cell. The controversy arises because embryonic stem cells are harvested from an embryo - a group of cells that is in the process of developing into an organism.

Adult stem cells are found within an organ or tissue of a fully developed organism. They are activated to produce new cells to repair a damaged organ or tissue where they are located.

The National Institute of Health has a good website that covers the basics of stem cells. I'm including the link below.

And sorry, as of now, humans cannot regenerate the growth of teeth! :)

Answer 2

A stem cell is a "generic" cell that can make exact copies of itself indefinitely. In addition, a stem cell has the ability to produce specialized cells for various tissues in the body -- such as heart muscle, brain tissue, and liver tissue. Scientists are able to maintain stem cells forever, developing them into specialized cells as needed.
There are two basic types:
* Embryonic stem cells - these are obtained from either aborted fetuses or fertilized eggs that are left over from in vitro fertilization (IVF). They are useful for medical and research purposes because they can produce cells for almost every tissue in the body.
* Adult stem cells - these are not as versatile for research purposes because they are specific to certain cell types, such as blood, intestines, skin, and muscle. The term "adult stem cell" may be misleading because both children and adults have them.
Please see the web pages for more details on Stem cells and Stem cell research.

Answer 3

Stem cells are cells that form when the body is growing mostly where life could come from like sperm and eggs(embryos) they can change into any cell the body needs. It is still experimental but who knows maybe in a few years.

Answer 4

Stem cells are cells that have the capacity to regenerate and replicate itself as well as to differentiate into many other specialized cells and tissues in the body. The role of stem cells is to provide new cells to replace the old, dying and damaged ones every day. When stem cells are diminished in our body then the number of old cells dying each day will exceed the new ones generated. This will manifest clinically as the effects of aging. That is why stem cell therapy to increase the number of stem cells in the body may potentially be a new method to combat the effects of aging.